EDITORIAL
WHAT GOOD IS DIVERSITY?
PERSPECTIVE
WHY YOU NEED CHURCH MORE THAN INTERNET
LET’S TALK PROVIDENCE
NORTHWEST ADVENTISTS IN ACTION
JUN
2016
VOL.111, Nº6
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Phil. 4:8
CONTENTS
june 2016
NORTHWEST ADVENTISTS IN ACTION
12
8
23
F E AT U R E
CONFERENCE NEWS
8 Volunteering With a Purpose 11 Are You Sure?
12 Accion 13 Alaska 14 Idaho 15 Montana 16 Oregon 20 Upper Columbia 24 Washington 27 Walla Walla University 29 Adventist Health
PERSPECTIVE
42 Why You Need Church More Than Internet 44 That’s Grace L E T ’ S TA L K
4
46 Providence
4 E D I T O R I A L 5 I N T E R S E C T I O N S 6 P I C T U R E T H I S
30 FA M I LY 33 A N N O U N C E M E N T S 34 A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
MAX TORKELSEN Copyright © 2016 June 2016 Vol. 111, No. 6
“Morning Reflection” at Mount Rainier, Wash., by Larry W. Hoppe, of Pomeroy, Wash.
Gleaner (ISSN 0746-5874) is published once per month for a total of 12 issues per year by the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, 5709 N. 20th St., Ridgefield, WA 98642. It is printed and mailed at Pacific Press Publishing Association®, 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Subscription rate: $13 per year. Periodical postage paid at Ridgefield, WA 98642 and additional mailing offices. OUR MISSION: Connecting Northwest Adventists with an expanding hub of news and inspiration.
3
POSTMASTER: send all address changes to: North Pacific Union Conference Gleaner, 5709 N. 20th St., Ridgefield, WA 98642 Phone: 360-857-7000 info@gleanernow.com gleanernow.com SUBMISSIONS: Timely announcements, features, news stories and family notices for publication in the Gleaner may be submitted directly to the project manager at the address listed above. Material sent directly to local conference correspondents may be forwarded to the Gleaner. PLEASE NOTE: Every reasonable effort is made to screen all editorial material to avoid error in this publication. The june 2016
Gleaner does not accept responsibility for advertisers’ claims. ADVENTIST® and SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. LITHO U.S.A. Gleaner STAFF Editor: Steve Vistaunet Copy Editor: Laurel Rogers Advertising and Project Manager: Desiree Lockwood Digital Media Coordinator: Anthony White Design: GUILDHOUSE Group
WHAT GOOD IS DIVERSITY? hen the Apostle Paul described God’s church as a body with differing parts, but of equal value, I believe he was onto something we too often forget. Diversity doesn’t have to pull us apart. Instead, it can add color and new insights to both our corporate and individual perspectives. Our North Pacific Union Conference office has experienced this firsthand. We’ve decided that one of our roles is to be an integral part of the communities we are in. One recent gathering brought state legislators from southwest Washington to our office for a community town hall meeting. Why do we do this? We believe God has called us to be salt and light in this world. When state, county or local community groups come into our building, they are touched with our Seventh-day Adventist mission in multiple ways. They can’t help but notice our mission statement etched in the glass by the AUTHOR Max Torkelsen main entrance door. In the main hallway they often pause and examine the Nathan Greene painting of the Second Coming. In the upper landing, they gaze at the recently donated stained-glass window that also shows in brilliant colors Jesus’ soon return. And as they mingle with us in the workplace, I hope they receive the personal touch of our core values of
courtesy and helpful attitudes, in spite of any differences. A closer look at Greene’s painting reveals the people waiting to rise to meet Jesus in the air hail from all ethnicities, all ages, all walks of life. The closer you look, the more you understand. This is God’s plan for His people, for His church. Diversity is more than the “red and yellow, black and white” phrase many of us sang as youngsters. It is certainly more than racial and ethnic minorities, age, gender, and other demographic categories. Diversity is about people with differing viewpoints, perspectives, backgrounds, specializations and competencies, all of which deserve consideration. Are we thinking about these things as we select members to serve on the various committees that hold in their hands the work of the church now and in the future? Or are we focused only on “who we know”? Have we considered generational perspectives? How many heads within our committees are free of gray hair? Diversity includes generational balance. Younger professionals see the world in a dramatically different light than their older counterparts do. In particular, millennials’ understanding of technology, new media and the pace of social change is important in bringing forth new ideas. Yes, greater diversity can also bring more vigorous dialogue, more friction. But I think this is alright. We can 4
june 2016
use a little tension or dissent to avoid group-think. Debate is healthy, and having multiple perspectives allows collective wisdom and experience to foster better ideas, solutions and ownership by all members. I believe diversity and inclusion foster healthy dialogue, encourage the sharing of multiple perspectives and enhance decision making. Diversity makes us smarter. Achieving greater diversity should be a continual goal, but there is no finish line and no ideal ratio or mix. What it requires is a Christian respect for the faith and values we hold in common and the differences that make every person unique. It’s not a new idea. Paul had it right when he observed in 1 Corinthians 12, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?” Paul’s caveat, of course, is that this diversity must still work harmoniously toward the good of the whole body. Our diversity must find a common center in a common mission. So welcome the new ideas from that young person in your midst. A closed room gets pretty stale, and this body could benefit from some fresh air. Max Torkelsen, North Pacific Union Conference president
2016 NW PRISON MINISTRY RETREAT
DE LEÓN BEGINS HISPANIC AND MINISTERIAL ROLE
T
C
ésar De León will begin a new role in June as the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) vice president for Hispanic ministries and director of ministerial and evangelism efforts. De León will be coming to the NPUC from the Central California Conference headquarters in Clovis, Calif., where he has directed the ministerial and evangelism departments for that region since 2011.
While he will help support the efforts of nearly 400 pastors in more than 500 congregations across the Northwest, De León’s specific focus will be on evangelistic opportunities and what has become a significant growing edge of NPUC membership — Hispanic outreach. His position as vice president will include administrative-level responsibilities as well. “I am delighted that Dr. De León has accepted our invitation,” says Max Torkelsen, NPUC president. “His track record of successful ministry leadership and his passion for the mission of our church speaks for itself. I am confident the Holy Spirit will be powerfully present in his efforts here.” De León brings a rich tapestry of education and experience to these new responsibilities as a departmental director, pastor, and marriage and family therapist. He holds a doctorate in marriage and family therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., a master’s degree with the same emphasis from nearby Loma Linda University, and a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. He obtained his undergraduate degree in theology from Walla Walla College in 1983. His wife, Carolann, who is working on her doctorate in clinical pastoral
his year’s Northwest Prison Ministry Retreat brought ministry teams to Gladstone, Ore., during the first weekend of April. Nearly 100 volunteers from churches around the Northwest welcomed this opportunity for fellowship and inspiration.
César De León
counseling, also has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Pastoral work was the focus of De León’s early ministry experience. He was a pastor in Pendleton and Hermiston, Ore., Holland, Mich., and in the Fresno and Salinas/Gilroy districts in California. After training as a marriage and family counselor, De León served 1994–2002 as associate youth pastor and pastoral counselor at the La Sierra Spanish Church in Riverside, Calif., and 2002–2011 at the Hispanic Church in San Jose, Calif., as senior pastor, marriage and family therapist, and pastoral counselor. During his tenure in San Jose, the church grew from 740 to more than 1,300 baptized members. The De Leóns have two college-age sons: Zachary, 20, and Jonathan, 19. They hope to physically make the transition to the Northwest sometime this summer. “My wife and I are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve Him in the Northwest,” says De León. “My first home here in the U.S. was in the Oregon Conference. The Lord opened doors for me to go to Walla Walla College, so this is like coming back home. We ask for your prayers, that we will be invested with God’s Spirit to see His vision and carry out His mission.”
The De León family includes (from left) Zachary, Carolann, César and Jonathan.
june 2016
Wintley Phipps, renowned speaker and musical artist, brought keynote moments, including plenary sessions on Friday evening, Sabbath morning worship and a well-received concert that evening. Phipps is integrally involved DAVID HENRY (DG PHOTOGRAPHY) with prison ministry as CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, which provides mentoring and support for children of the incarcerated. Additional workshops throughout the weekend provided ongoing encouragement and Wintley Phipps speaks to the education with topics Northwest Prision Ministry such as substance Retreat attendees at the Holden abuse, mental health Center in Gladstone, Ore. issues, discipleship, transitional housing and volunteer recruitment. Byron Dulan, Washington Conference outreach ministries director, noted that some key volunteer teams were unable to attend for one important reason — they were too busy keeping their weekly appointments at local prisons. Their faithfulness masks a growing challenge, echoed by Chuck Burkeen, Oregon Conference member ministries director. He says recruiting and mentoring additional volunteers to share the weekly responsibilities is vital to provide relief for faithful but small teams who often miss fellowship with their home churches in order to meet regularly with inmates. Alphonso McCarthy, North Pacific Union Conference vice president for regional ministries, notes another important area for growth in the prison ministry arena. Many volunteer teams are aging. They need new, younger volunteers to take up the mantle of leadership. Members throughout the Northwest can help with the challenges and opportunities of prison ministry. They can pray for those who serve inmates regularly. They can give tangible encouragement to volunteer teams who are often elsewhere on Sabbath mornings. And they can ponder the possibility that God is calling them to step in as new volunteers for this important ministry.
WWU establishes Blake Center. SEE PAGE
28
AAA students connect with community.
Art and technology can be messy. Read more online at glnr.in/111-06or_miloartsandtech.
6
june 2016
SEE PAGE
25
Young adults combine fun and fellowship.
MEA explores D.C.
SEE PAGE
15
7
june 2016
SEE PAGE
22
ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES
VOLUNTEERING WITH A PURPOSE BY CHERI CORDER
A. God’s Closet Vancouver This outreach in Vancouver, Wash., is open one day each quarter to offer children’s clothing to families. Each family fills two bags with clothing of their own choice. Each time God’s Closet is open, about 300 families are served. A favorite story is about the mom who was looking for a coat for her little girl. A team member brought over a coat in a pink and white camouflage print, with the tags still on it. Tears filled the mother’s eyes as she explained that her husband was currently deployed, defending our country. Only God could have made this perfect match: a little girl who was missing her Army dad and a pink camo coat. In addition to the dozens of church members who help during each setup day, more than 100 community members converge on the church to help.
B
S
TRONG AND ENDURING, YET FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO MEET AN INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY’S CHANGING NEEDS, ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES (ACS) IS ONE OF OUR DENOMINATION’S LONGEST-RUNNING MINISTRIES. WHILE THE WAYS WE EXPRESS CHRISTIAN COMPASSION MUST ADAPT IN ORDER TO STAY RELEVANT AS TIMES AND NEEDS CHANGE, THE SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES ABOUT LOVING AND SERVING PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S NAME ARE TIMELESS. The creativity and dedication of Adventist Church members around the Pacific Northwest in this area of ministry is amazing. We have collected just a few examples to share with you here. We have not been able to include them all, nor have we given any one of them the space they deserve; however, we offer these little reports to help you get creative in your thinking. You may not “go thou and do likewise” exactly, but hopefully you will at least be inspired — and maybe think of something you could do in your community.
B.Tutoring and Mentoring The plight of Mexican immigrants who make a living through farm labor in western Washington is often hard and 8
june 2016
traumatic. In addition to poor housing and hard working conditions, many families lack proper clothing and, above all, education. A Watered Garden (AWG) Family Learning Center in Everson, Wash., serves many of these families with a combination of literacy and other services, including tutoring and mentoring, English language learning (ELL), citizenship classes, Spanish education, and a community garden. By giving families the tools they need to build a better life, the AWG staff has become a valuable part of their community. C.The Free Store The Kalispell (Mont.) ACS Center, or “The Free Store” as it is locally known, has been serving northwest Montana for more than 40 years. Starting in the basement of the church, the store now has a building of its own. The center is a beehive of activity two to three days a week as volunteers gather to sort, organize and hang clothing on racks in the building. Every Tuesday it opens to the public and is
visited by 80 to 100 families that need bedding, clothing or household items. “Many come from communities 20 and even 50 miles away in order to shop freely from the center’s shelves and clothing racks,” reports Casey Higgins, Kalispell Church pastor. D. Joy to the World! That was the feeling spread throughout the second annual ACS Christmas Gift Giving event in Nampa, Idaho. The parents of the recipient children were thrilled with the huge selection, according to age and gender, of toys, clothes, toiletries, gift cards, blankets, pillows and so much more. There were also candy canes and chocolates for the whole family. Each family also received a new blanket or afghan donated by the church family.
L about 16 agencies who screen the recipients,” says Renee Martin, Richland ACS director. “We are the first Adventist diaper bank and have given away almost 2 million diapers.”
E.Tri-Cities Diaper Bank Two ladies from Washington’s Pasco Church saw a need for women in the community and started a diaper bank in 2011. The diaper bank provides diapers for infants to toddlers (up to 3 years old). State agencies do not provide diapers or money for diapers. Parents are not able to purchase these disallowed “hygiene items” with food stamps. “We currently work with
F. Public School Ministry The nearby Richland Church members are very involved with their local Jason Lee Elementary School, located across the street from the church. Two mornings a week, a group of students comes to the church for the Morning Reading Club, which includes breakfast, tutoring and reading. Teachers and counselors have selected the students who could use the extra assistance. “We’ve seen amazing results,” the teachers report. “The students’ test scores have skyrocketed since they started this program.” Church members create Friday Food Boxes each week for students who might not receive a nutritious meal over the weekend.
G
G. STEAM Ahead at Discovery Junction This after-school enrichment program for neighborhood children was launched in April. The activities include programming in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). The first
A 9
june 2016
stage of this outreach, which is supported by Spokane Central Church in Washington and Upper Columbia Conference ACS, includes partnering with the nearby public school, Garfield Elementary, which selected the third-grade children who would most benefit. Summer plans include fun with STEAM activities for the neighborhood children. When retired science teacher Gayle Haeger mixed various chemicals to create “elephant toothpaste,” one little girl blurted out, “You’re a real scientist!” “Along with impacting the lives of children and their families,” reports Patty Marsh, Upper Columbia Conference ACS director, “STEAM Ahead has offered great opportunities for leaders in this ministry to meet with community leaders and educators.” H. Raising Money At the Nampa (Idaho) Church’s recent ACS yard sale, a customer told leaders she had been watching 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network) for a long time and was delighted to meet some Adventists. She picked up a worship schedule and promised she would see them in church. Oh, and back to the money: They did raise some — $1,000!
SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES ABOUT LOVING AND SERVING PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S NAME ARE TIMELESS. These funds help provide food and clothing plus school supplies and even a Christmas party for the children of their clients. I. Getting the Word Out Brochures for the ACS Center in Battle Ground, Wash., are being distributed from Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services offices; county health department offices; local city halls; local medical, dental and vision offices; Goodwill Job Connections offices, which provide job candidates with interview and work clothing; and eight regional non-Adventist churches without similar services. Two of Our Larger Centers J. SonBridge, with eight constituent churches, has been operating for 10 years in the Walla Walla Valley of southeast Washington. It offers a broad spectrum of health services through SOS Health Services, a medical clinic staffed by volunteer physicians and nurses. The dental clinic was launched in 2013 and now has added a paid dentist and staff to serve those eligible for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). SonBridge’s Thrift and Gift store helps fund these ministries. SonBridge also offers a strong line-up of life education classes and provides space for Blue Mountain TV and KLRF-FM, as well as Impact and Neutral Ground. K. Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS) also has eight constituent churches. Services have changed and grown over several decades. The thrift store now generates over a half million dollars in revenue to support the medical clinic and food pantry (which served
more than 78,000 people in 2015). A house adjacent to the main campus is being renovated in order to expand services to include dental services as well as an ophthalmology room. In partnership with churches and other organizations, the PACS mobile food pantry, called the COW (Commodities on Wheels), served more than 4,000 people on location in 2015. Read more about PACS and its services online at glnr.in/111-06_PACS.
can be done in response to a disaster. ACS-DR includes amazing opportunities to be connected in our communities beforehand through having representatives in emergency management groups and participation in programs like Map Your Neighborhood community preparation. In addition to the highly publicized disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, when numerous Adventists were deployed, local opportunities are increasing. Here is an example:
L. Disaster Response (DR) While ACS-DR’s role of donations management gets
M. Mission Trip to Pateros, Wash. Although Bonnie Jones’ (not
restoring Bonnie’s fence line around her property and two other properties. Bonnie was tearful in her appreciation of the work done by the team and for the bond of fellowship that developed during the week.
J
little attention in the press, it is considered one of the top responders in time of disaster and held in high regard nationally as well as at state and county levels. With communities in the Northwest placing more and more emphasis on preparing for predicted disasters such as the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, the potential of ACS-DR is greater than ever. Preparation is more than what
her real name) property was spared by the 2015 wildfires in eastern Washington, it was devastated by the resulting floods. Her equipment and animals were vulnerable to vandalism, theft and wild animals. She needed fences around her property reconstructed. Volunteers from Washington and Upper Columbia conferences collaborated for a one-week mission trip that resulted in 10
june 2016
D Cheri Corder, Oregon Conference member ministries associate director when this article was submitted, with conference ACS directors and local church ministry leaders from around the NPUC contributing
For all kinds of inspiration and information, visit the official Adventist Community Services website at
COMMUNITYSERVICES.ORG
ARE YOU SURE? TAKE THIS TRUE/FALSE ACS QUIZ!
1. The Dorcas Society, consisting of groups of women, was established in 1879 as the official Adventist Quiz answers: community outreach program. 1. TRUE. 2. At the North American Division level, the name 2. FALSE. While some centers continue to use the “Dorcas Society” wasn’t changed to “Adventist name “Dorcas” for their outreach ministry, the Community Services” until 2010. name was officially changed in North America 3. The acronym “SAWS” once referred to the MORE THAN 60 YEARS AGO — in 1953! Adventist outreach program. 3. TRUE. It stood for Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service and was the official name used from 1956 4. ADRA oversees the Adventist response to disaster to 1972, Adventist Community Services became all around the world, except in North America. the official humanitarian agency of the Adventist church in North America. In 1973, SAWS was 5. ACS ministries are limited to food or clothing banks renamed the Seventh-day Adventist World Service. and disaster response. Ten years later in 1983, it became Adventist Devel6. You must be at least 70 years old in order to work opment and Relief Agency International (ADRA). with ACS. 4. TRUE. Some mistakenly believe that ADRA responds to disasters in the United States when actually it is 7. People must be Adventists — or related to Adventist Community Services (ACS). Adventists — in order to receive ACS services. 5. FALSE! 8. People must be Adventists in order to serve in ACS 6. FALSE — OF COURSE! While we certainly value the centers. contribution of our “seasoned citizens,” all kinds of 9. If I am an Adventist, I can start an ACS ministry. meaningful ACS ministries are being carried out by every age group. 10. Training opportunities within ACS range from 7. WE CERTAINLY HOPE YOU SAID FALSE ON THIS ONE! simple to graduate-level courses. While we ask that the leaders be members 11. One more! ACS has more than 1,250 localities in 8. FALSE. in good standing, many of our ministries enjoy North America (including Guam, Micronesia and having numerous community members as volBermuda). unteers.This is both a blessing to our ministries
K
and a blessing to the volunteers! Check with your local conference office regarding the appropriate screening process.
K
9. That’s kind of true. Just be sure to work closely with your church board.Your ministry won’t be official — with all of the benefits that go along with that — unless it is voted by your church board. 10. TRUE. For an amazing graduate-level educational experience (though a college background is not required), get in on the Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program (NLCP). 11. TRUE. Amazing, isn’t it? How beautiful that God’s people take outreach so seriously!
11
june 2016
ACCION
NORTHWEST // NEWS
TORMENTA DE BENDICIONES PARA NUEVO DISTRITO EN IDAHO
¿
Has alguna vez deseado ser testigo presencial de un momento histórico? ¿Ser parte de un episodio en la vida, que tiene la capacidad de marcar un antes y un después? Después de décadas de contar con un solo distrito hispano en toda la Conferencia de Idaho, finalmente la administración de la conferencia local, con la ayuda económica del Unión del Pacífico Norte, decidió dar el salto de fe de
organizar el segundo distrito de iglesias hispanas, con las congregaciones de Jerome, Twin Falls, Heyburn y Idaho Falls. Dios me ha dado el privilegio de ser el primer pastor asignado. ¡Wow, que privilegio! Siendo pastor de este distrito he sido testigo de una verdadera tormenta de bendiciones. Déjenme enumerar algunas. En los años 2014 y 2015 tuvimos la oportunidad de organizar 18 campañas evangelistas en todo
haciendo en este distrito es la de varias familias de hermanos que viven en Roberts (norte de Idaho Falls). Por muchos años ellos habían sido miembros de la Iglesia de la Reforma, y esporádicamente nos visitaban. Esto resultaba en encuentros muy hermosos, espirituales y afables. Después de intercambiar reflexiones espirituales y meditar en el maravilloso amor de Jesús y su ministerio reconciliador, finalmente en junio del 2015, siete hermanos Bautizando almas para Cristo.
el distrito, y bautizar 17 almas para el Señor. Además, tuvimos un incremento acumulado del 43 por ciento y 38 por ciento en diezmos en el año 2014 y 2015 respectivamente. Para este año 2016, nuestros jóvenes han aceptado el desafío de organizar cuatro campañas evangelistas dirigidas por y para jóvenes hispanos de segunda generación, y han continuado con un plan agresivo evangélistico. Así mismo, la asistencia los sábados en estas iglesias se ha incrementado de forma notable, convirtiendo a estas congregaciones en verdaderos puntos neurálgicos de evangelización, crecimiento espiritual y solidaridad cristiana. Quizás una anécdota que puede resumir lo que Dios está
Trabajando en diferentes áreas como familia.
12
june 2016
decidieron formar parte de nuestra iglesia per medio del bautismo en Idaho Falls. Desde entonces asisten regularmente los sábados un total de 12 hermanos que pertenecían a la Iglesia de la Reforma. Sé que Dios continuará, guiando su obra. ¡Alabado sea nuestro Dios! Felipe Andino, Washington Conference distrito del norte
ALASKA
NEWS // CONFERENCE
More online at glnr.in/111-06-ac_togiak
DAVID THOMPSON
(From left) Armando Miranda; featured musician Diane BarkleyThompson; and Don West, convocation coordinator and Anchorage Community Church pastor.
ANCHORAGE MEMBERS HOLD CONVOCATION
A
nchorage Community Adventist Church and other Adventist churches in Anchorage came together for their second annual Anchorage Convocation, themed “Holding to Hope” and held Feb. 26–27. The
DAVID THOMPSON
Trina and Matthew Sandvik perform at the evening concert.
v
keynote speaker was Armando Miranda, former General Conference vice president, and attendees were blessed by the music of Denise BarclayThompson, from Washington, D.C. The convocation began Friday evening with Miranda’s message to the Anchorage Spanish Church to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ. He encouraged the congregation to focus on preparing their hearts and those of others for the Lord’s return rather than merely being preoccupied about securing a way to survive in times of persecution. He emphasized the futility of
being physically safe during the final crisis while being in spiritual danger as a result of not getting to know the Lord and potentially being set up to hear the words, “Depart from me. I know you not.” Adventists from all over Anchorage worshipped together at the Northside Church on Sabbath morning. Miranda stressed the importance of preparedness for the Second Advent despite not knowing precisely when it will be. He reminded the congregation that God’s timing is different from ours and He indeed is coming quickly. Barclay-Thompson gave hope in song that “In a Little While We’re Going Home” and all suffering will be over “When We All Get to Heaven.” The event concluded with a final message and concert at the Anchorage Community Church featuring musical presentations from several churches. Adventists in Anchorage are already looking forward to Anchorage Convocation 2017, once again under the direction of the Anchorage Community and Spanish churches. Tajhicia West, Anchorage Community Adventist Church member
CAMP MEETING PROVIDES SPRING BREAK FOR VILLAGE YOUTH
S
pring break in Togiak became an adventure for the 23 youth who enjoyed a trip to Dillingham in small planes to attend a camp meeting in March. David Solomon Hall, a pastor from Reno, Nev., held his audience captive while he shared his story of being unwanted as a baby and how Jesus treasures each of us and wants to have a personal relationship with us. Jesus doesn’t care about our past; He has a special new name for each of us and wants us to have a new life with Him. The youth appreciated Hall’s storytelling style. “He didn’t push his religion,” one of the youth said in a follow-up survey. Saturday night the group had sandwiches from Subway — 15 kids said it was their first Subway. Hall was able to make
a Sunday visit to Togiak, population 850 and located on a bay on the Bering Sea. An enthusiastic entourage gave Hall a tour of the village. One youth showed Hall the four houses where she has lived since her grandma died last year. The Adventist mission church provides these youth with a place of stability and love. They come together weekly, with an average of 35 for Teen Night and 18 on Kid Night. The camp meeting trip was an opportunity to get a glimpse of what Jesus wants to do for people, to escape the challenges of village life for a short time, and to see life without the pressures to drink and do drugs and snuff. Lynette Goude, Arctic Mission Adventure (AMA) volunteer in Togiak, Alaska
Pastor David Solomon Hall addresses the Togiak youth.
13
june 2016
IDAHO
CONFERENCE // NEWS More online at glnr.in/111-06-id_adventurers
ADVENTURERS ENJOY FAMILY CAMP EXPERIENCE
T
he Idaho Conference Adventurer program had its first Adventurer Family Camp Experience April 15–17. Seventy-five parents, staff and Adventurers camped for the whole weekend, while 30 more joined them during the daytime. As some of the tents were going up, Alex Shelly, a first-grader, was heard to say, “Mom, we got the tent up.” He was so proud as he stood in the doorway with his arms outstretched and a big smile on his face. Georgia Russell and Cliff Martell led the event’s song service and storytime. Since the Pathfinder Bible focus this year is Exodus, the stories were from the time when baby Moses was born to the Hebrews leaving Egypt. Martell made chalk pictures while Russell told the Bible stories. “I like the activities, campfire, games,
especially the stories Mrs. Georgia told where God called her,” Jaimi Roblero told her Adventurer director. “I learned that we must obey God when He calls us.” The Adventurers worked on three new North American Division awards through activities like a memory-verse scavenger hunt, enjoying potluck together and visiting with two in-training service dogs. “I liked the Bible verses about dogs and the talk about how dogs help people,” says Tallen Bausman. “I liked making the dog puppets. Best of all, I made two new friends.” During Sunday morning’s final storytelling, Martell brought his snakehead walking stick to show how we all, like the Israelites, need to look to Jesus to be saved.
JOE STATES
A heart monitor bike cam captures the terrain and scenery which varied from paved pathways to dirt or gravel, keeping the cyclists engaged throughout the ride.
GOLDEN EAGLES DISCOVER GOD CARES ABOUT WEATHER
T
Kathy Knuth, Idaho Conference Adventurer director
Adventurers help during Sabbath worship’s lightbulb illustration.
14
he last weekend in April started so cold and rainy, the Golden Eagles Pathfinders feared the weather would last the entire weekend — including during their bike-a-thon on Sunday. They prayed about the weather and handed it off to God. Some wanted to cancel the ride, but, if God chose to make a miracle, they were going to be there to see it and do their part. And God didn’t disappoint them. After days of rain, cold weather and flooded trail sections, Sunday, April 24, arrived dry and warmer. The Pathfinders began their ride at 8 a.m. in Merrill Park in their hometown of Eagle. With dry paths, low river levels, moderate temperatures and no wind, it was really the best riding weather in the five-year history of the bike-a-thon. Pathfinders from the Pocatello Falcons and Caldwell june 2016
Flames clubs, a staff member from the Experience Mustangs, and a couple students from Gem State Adventist Academy in Caldwell joined the Golden Eagles at the event. Staff and kids alike collected pledges of all sizes prior to riding as many miles as they could in 10 hours. As a group, the club members rode 1,334.75 miles. Most Pathfinders exceeded the 50-mile requirement for the Cycling honor. This event was made possible by a miracle from God and the many generous volunteers who ran the three refreshment stands along the 9.25-mile loop of the Eagle and Garden City greenbelt trails. Joe States, Golden Eagles Pathfinder director More online at glnr.in/111-06-id_pathfinders
MONTANA
NEWS // CONFERENCE
MONTANA PATHFINDERS HOLD FAIR
T
he Montana Conference Pathfinders held their fair this year on the campus of Mountain View Elementary school in Missoula. Six clubs were represented this year as they gathered for a weekend of activities, and even the constant rain could not dampen their experience. Greg Jones, a pastor from the Great Falls, Mont., area, was the guest speaker. Jones, who has a lifelong involvement in Pathfinder organizations, spoke to the Pathfinders about being “Chosen.” His interactive presentations were both entertaining and spiritual, and
MOUNT ELLIS ELEMENTARY TAKES D.C. TRIP
doing what they knew needed to be done. The Pathfinders made makeshift ponchos from large trash bags, and everyone hit the streets to collect food for the Missoula Food Bank and to distribute announcements for an upcoming evangelistic series being held in the Missoula Church. The group collected
E
leven seventh- and eighth-graders who attend Mount Ellis Elementary School in Bozeman had the opportunity to participate in a one-week trip to the nation’s capital. Michelle Wachter, Mount Ellis Elementary School principal, offered the trip as an educational history experience. The students did all the fundraising, and each of them were able to pay for their trip in its entirety. The students and sponsors were on the go every day to cram in as much of the area as was humanly possible. The first night the students arrived, they were able to attend a Washington Wizards basketball game and eat at Union Station. Over the next few days, they were able to
Pathfinders collaborate in the Boardwalk activity.
The Spider Web activity inspires teamwork among the Pathfinders.
he had all the clubs participating in each service. Sabbath afternoon was scheduled for community service time, but talk turned to doing something else instead due to the rain. Then the Pathfinders realized this was Montana, and a little weather could not deter them from
close to 600 pounds of food and handed out hundreds of flyers. Sunday morning’s weather was still wet, so the scheduled activities were moved indoors. Teamwork was the key as Pathfinders participated in activities like the Spider Web and Boardwalk. The weekend helped create new friendships and rekindle old. The Montana Pathfinders now look forward to joining their peers from the Idaho Conference in August for a joint camporee in Dubois, Idaho.
visit Gettysburg and the Hershey Chocolate factory. They saw a live play on the story of Samson and toured the White House, Smithsonian and many of the memorials. They also visited Colonial Williamsburg, the Newseum, Ford’s Theater, Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, the National Zoo, the Adventist Church’s world headquarters, the Ellen G. White Estate and, of course, every gift shop known to man. The students walked miles and miles every day, but everyone had a great time. It was a highly successful trip — one these students will not forget. Phil Hudema
Phil Hudema, Montana Conference educational superintendent Mount Ellis Elementary School students visit the White House.
15
june 2016
OREGON
CONFERENCE // CALLED BY GOD TO GO, MEMBERS IN MINISTRY NOTE: Benjamin Lundquist, new Oregon Conference young adult ministries director, shares here his firsthand observations of this year’s Young Adult Spring Retreat.
OREGON HOSTS YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
I
was invited to speak for this year’s annual Oregon Conference Young Adult Spring Retreat held at Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach. As I drove along the Wilson River heading toward Tillamook, I prayed for the coming weekend, asking Jesus to do incredible things for His honor and glory. On this particular day the sun was in full view. Coming from Arizona, this was a familiar sight. What I hoped for was to see a vision during the weekend of what Jesus wanted to do as Oregon Conference BENJAMIN LUNDQUIST
The messages I shared during the retreat talked about developing a unshakable identity in Jesus as our Father, anchoring attendees in the hope that if they know Jesus and know what He thinks about them, then they can truly know who they are. Josh and Sara Withers and Greg Phillips led worship music, and somehow even the lyrics supported this idea of knowing your true identity in Him. Young adults attended from all over the Oregon Conference, and even a few made the drive down from Walla Walla. Having spent little time with this group before, I watched, talked, listened and ate with them during the two days we were together. The attendees connected in a way that made one think they had all known each other for years. Even though they came from different communities, churches, backgrounds and faith journeys, these young
adults blended in a way that was accepting, caring, honest and encouraging. I would have invited any young adult I know to spend time with this group without any hesitation, knowing they would feel at home. One of the highlights of this retreat was spending an hour alone with Jesus on the beautiful grounds of Camp Magruder. Each attendee turned off their phone, grabbed a Bible and headed off to a space where they could have some honest dialogue with Jesus. In this fast paced world, these quiet moments can be few and far between. The hour was filled with prayer, reading, singing, listening and enjoying an uninterrupted moment. As I debriefed this experience with the group, the testimonies were rich and powerful. The challenge was accepted to not just talk about doing life with Jesus, but to actually carve out the time to make it happen
Pastors Greg Philips and Sara and Josh Withers lead the worship music.
young adult ministry moves into a new chapter. Looking back, God provided that and so much more. In one form or another, almost every conversation, worship music set and spoken message seemed to be about Jesus. Even the huge game of Ultimate Frisbee that took place on the beach seemed to have a selfless Jesus component.
BENJAMIN LUNDQUIST
Nearly 60 people attended the weekend at Rockaway Beach’s Camp Magruder.
16
june 2016
BENJAMIN HAWKINS
Rachel Scribner gives her sister, Krista, a piggyback ride along the jetty.
beyond this event. For me, this young adult retreat was a small vision of things to come in Oregon. I caught a vision for a young adult ministry in Oregon where Jesus is uplifted, any young adult can find a place in a growing community and young adult leaders are living a real journey of faith for themselves. As I drove back to Portland on Sunday, Friday’s sun was gone, but the real vision I saw was still present. This young adult retreat has grown the last few years under the care of Tracy Woods, who now serves at the North American Division, and Les Zollbrecht, Oregon Conference youth director. I look forward to more retreats like this in the future and ask for your prayers as Oregon Conference young adult ministries launches into a new chapter. Benjamin Lundquist, Oregon Conference young adult ministries director
OREGON
CALLED BY GOD TO GO, MEMBERS IN MINISTRY // CONFERENCE Read more online at glnr.in/111-06-or_paa
S
v
CAA FILMMAKERS PAA TEACHER WIN BIG IN TEXAS HONORED BY COFTL eniors Nicholas Anspach, Brooke Thompson, Lindsay Franke and Marlene Renteria from Columbia Adventist Academy (CAA) in Battle Ground, Wash., won Best Film and Best Use of an Armadillo awards for their contribution to Southwestern Adventist University’s 2016 48-Hour Film Challenge in April. The film challenge prescribed strict rules. Each of 14 teams was randomly assigned a genre (CAA’s team was assigned “fish out of water”) and had to craft the script to follow the overarching theme
of redemption. Dialogue was forbidden, and teams even had to incorporate an armadillo into the storyline in a creative way. All filming had to be completed on smartphones, and the entire project had to be filmed and edited within the allotted 48 hours. CAA team’s film centers around the main character, played by Anspach, who apparently is facing a serious identity crisis. As the film concludes, the plot resolves in a comical but touching discovery of redemption. When asked why the judges unanimously chose “Identity Crisis” as Best Film, Emmy-award winning composer Michael Price quickly responded that the plot was tightly focused and the end delivered the “classic payoff that every short film should have.” Following the red carpet premiere and awards program that lasted late on Saturday night, the sleepy filmographers caught their early flight home with eyes mostly shut, the corners of each mouth curved into a slight smile because each of them knew that Columbia left Texas a little taste of how they do things in the Pacific Northwest.
R
Jeremy New, Columbia Adventist Academy videography instructor CAA seniors won Best Film and Best Use of an Armadillo awards for their contribution to a 48-Hour Film Challenge.
ita Barrett, Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) Spanish teacher, was named 2016 Honor Roll Teacher by the Confederation in Oregon for Language Teaching (COFTL). The COFTL board annually recognizes one K–12 language teacher who has made significant accomplishments and contributions to language acquisition and education. Besides growing PAA’s Spanish class offerings from two levels to four, Barrett formed PAA’s chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and has helped many students succeed at the challenging College Level Exam Program (CLEP). Barrett also launched a Professional Learning Community (PLC) in 2011 for language teachers in the region. Her PLC colleagues nominated her for the COFTL honor. “Each of us is better equipped to promote student learning as a direct result of
2013 alumna Carmella Rosu (right) successfully passed the College Level Exam Program (CLEP) for advanced placement studies after high school thanks to the teaching and inspiration of Rita Barrett, PAA Spanish teacher.
To watch this award winning film, go to glnr.in/111-06-or_caa
17
june 2016
Rita Barrett was recently named 2016 Honor Roll Teacher by the Confederation in Oregon for Language Teaching.
Rita’s outstanding, ongoing dedication and contribution to our professional growth as teachers of world languages,” said Ann Cedeño, a PLC member and Vancouver (Wash.) Public School Home Connection teacher, in her nomination letter to the COFTL board. “Rita is a true leader,” says PLC member Michelle Nicola, a Spanish teacher at Portland Public School’s Bridger School. Statements like these, as well as the COFTL award, shine a light on the value of Adventist education. Christcentered and character-driven teaching is recognized as a core value held by Adventist teachers like Barrett. “I know Rita has touched many lives both in her classroom and out of it,” says Tina Hargaden, a Portland Public Schools Language teacher and member of the PLC. “I’m so glad to know her.” Liesl Vistaunet, PAA Gleaner correspondent
OREGON
CONFERENCE // CALLED BY GOD TO GO, MEMBERS IN MINISTRY
PORTLAND WOMEN’S EXPO GETS UNEXPECTED VENDOR am shocked that you are here!” the woman exclaimed after seeing “Seventh-day Adventist” on the banner. “Shocked!” The woman had just been offered a free copy of “Living a Long and Beautiful Life,” a booklet on health adapted especially for women. The setting was a booth at the Portland Women’s Expo, which draws more than 10,000 women each year on the first Saturday of April. At first, the woman had refused the book, but then, glancing at the banner, she saw “Oregon Seventhday Adventist Women’s Ministries.” “I was raised a Seventh-day Adventist!” she said. “I went through all the schools … . I already know what is in that book. But … OK, I’ll take one.” Passionate about getting Adventist literature into places where large crowds gather, a generous donor had contacted the North Pacific Union Conference about developing a small book on health that could be easily customized for trade shows. With a dozen professionals contributing to the content, the first edition was titled “Live to Be 101,” designed for motorcyclists and distributed at the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D., last summer.
The second version of the book is the one distributed at the Portland Women’s Expo. To appeal to young women, the editor changed the title, cover and many of the pictures inside the book. The revised booklet included a new opening story along with an introduction and postscript for most of the chapters. The book covers topics like nutrition and exercise as well as emotional intelligence and includes, following the chapter on rest, a chapter about the Sabbath. At the back of the book are invitations for Discover Bible School, the Hope Channel and Bibleinfo.com. “May I have another copy?” asked one woman sheepishly. “I’m making up a basket for my daughter and her husband to take on their honeymoon, and I’d like to include one of these books.” “Of course,” came the answer. “We also have some New Testaments here. Would you like one of those?” “Oh, yes!” Her eyes sparkled. “Ummm … could I have two? It would be nice if they each had their own … .” Can you guess the response? Money for the Bibles was donated by the North American Division women’s ministries, and money for the large banner was provided
(From left) Cheri Corder, Liz Wilkening, Kim Schroeder and Pamela Lewis staff the ministry booth at the Portland Women’s Expo.
by the NPUC women’s ministries. While a few women declined the booklet or even returned it, the overwhelming majority were delighted to get a copy. The whole thing was a bit of an experiment, to get a feel for what this event is like and what kind of ministry might be done at this event in the future. By the end of the day, 1,500 copies of the booklet, plus dozens of Bibles, 18
june 2016
had been distributed. The booklets are now being used by a variety of Oregon Conference churches in their outreach efforts — as Mother’s Day gifts distributed door to door, in Adventist Community Service centers, at health fairs and more. Cheri Corder, Oregon Conference member ministries associate director when this article was submitted
OREGON
More online at glnr.in/111-06-or_youthday
CALLED BY GOD TO GO, MEMBERS IN MINISTRY // CONFERENCE
TURNINGPOINT, GLIDE YOUTH HIT THE STREETS FOR GLOBAL YOUTH DAY
O
n Global Youth Day, which fell on March 19 this year, 43 youth and staff from the TurningPoint and Glide churches stormed the streets of Roseburg, Ore., to deliver cheer and encouragement to a community still hurting from a mass shooting five months earlier. Although nine people died in the shooting, hundreds still live with the pain of the loss of a friend or family member. The afternoon was spent
The youth group prays with the family of one of the victims of a recent mass shooting.
taking care baskets to victims’ families and emergency responders in Roseburg. New tears were shed as victim’s families realized people they have never met still remember and care. Care baskets were also taken to the first responders throughout the community. In an expression of gratitude, two of the fire stations invited the youth to tour the station. The youth split into three smaller groups to visit an
Alzheimer’s care facility, a longterm care facility, and a park where they fed the homeless and distributed care packages filled with personal hygiene supplies, candy bars and socks. “I was surprised how many children were there [at the park],” says Josiah Buster, a youth from TurningPoint Church. Gerry Washburn, Roseburg School District superintendent, says there are more than 200 homeless
kids in his district. When asked by Lisa Buster, TurningPoint Church youth leader, if they wanted to do service projects other times in addition to Global Youth Day, the youth answered with a unanimous, “Yes!” Find more information about Global Youth Day at globalyouthday.org. Lonnie Wibberding, TurningPoint and Glide churches pastor
Camp Meeting
July 19-23, 2016
Join us this year as we explore what it means to be called together by God. Featured speakers include: Mike Tucker, Jennifer LaMountain, Ron Halvorsen, Jr, Carl Cosaert, and Alice Busch.
TogeTher
Members in Ministry
Learn more at www.OregonConference.org v 19
june 2016
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE // NEWS
UCC ANNUAL CAMP MEETING
T
here’s something powerful about gathering with other believers to worship together and share what God is doing. Make plans to attend this year’s Upper Columbia Conference annual camp meeting, June 22–25. As we gather together this year, we’ll be focusing on ways to grow disciples for Jesus and His kingdom. It will be a time to share and learn about living our lives intentionally. We’ve been planning all year to bring you enriching seminars, uplifting speakers and encouraging music.
MUST-ATTEND SEMINARS Cook SMART The Creator of the universe cares enough that He took time to share with us how to keep our bodies as healthful as possible in a broken world. It is our prayer that the tips, ideas and recipes in these classes will help to ease some of the pressures busy people face when they are not cooking out of boxes. Discover easy meals you can share with confidence.
in 2016. Larry Beeson, a native Californian and part of the Adventist Health Study research team for more than 43 years, will share some of the more recent findings of the second Adventist Health Study.
The five seminars offered include: »» Meeting the Needs of 21st Century Kids »» Learning Styles/Temperaments »» Bible Learning Activities »» Teaching Children to Think »» Teaching From Nature Nature’s Creator If you love nature, you will want to seriously consider this seminar. Together we will explore and review just how God intends to use nature to draw us closer to Himself. In each seminar session we will take a “field trip” on the big screen and travel to a most beautiful location. Each of the six seminars sessions will be unique and different but will stand alone, so plan to stop by for a “field trip” once or twice during camp meeting.
Children’s Ministry Certification Program For parents, educators, and all who love working with children and teens. Five seminars will complete onehalf of the necessary training for the Children’s Ministries Leadership Certification.
Adventist Health Study Are Adventists living longer and healthier? Learn more about this topic and how it affects you. Learn what the latest findings are 20
june 2016
Romans Paul’s letter to the Romans has been compared to spiritual “dynamite,” and rightly so. No other book in the Bible has sparked as much spiritual revival and reformation through the centuries. Learn how a clearer understanding of the letter to the Romans can revolutionize your spiritual life as it did for Martin Luther, John Wesley, early Adventists in the 1880s and 1890s, and many others Find out all the seminar options at
uccsda.org/campmeeting.
On Sabbath afternoon, June 25, at 3 p.m. in the Big Tent, Matt and Josie Minikus will present a special music concert. Matt and Josie have toured with the ARISE Songs of Ascent music team and travel on their own tours. “We try to be an encouragement and blessing to each person we meet,” Josie says, “but in the end I think we come away from each encounter having received far greater blessings than we ever could have given.” Their concerts gently enfold the rapt audiences with the presence of Jesus; one cannot hear them and be left unmoved.
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE // NEWS
YOUNG PEOPLE HOLD NORTHWEST YOUTH CONFERENCE
W
hat does it mean to be uniquely Adventist? To discover the answer, young people from across the North Pacific Union came together April 15–17 for Northwest Youth Conference (NWYC), held in the Walla Walla Valley at Stateline Church in Milton-Freewater, Ore. Organized and run by youth from the young adult Sabbath School class at Stateline Church, Northwest Youth Conference’s mission is ANNELIESE WAHLMAN
One attendee at Northwest Youth Conference 2016.
“to encourage, empower and equip each other as young people to fully grasp the message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by living and proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages in the North Pacific Union — and beyond.” This year the conference’s theme was “Uniquely Adventist,” focusing on how the power of the gospel to
More online at glnr.in/111-06-uc_nwyc
ANNELIESE WAHLMAN
Music leaders lead the youth in rousing songs at the recent Northwest Youth Conference.
change our lives is portrayed in the sanctuary. “The sanctuary message lies at the foundation of who we are as Adventists,” remarked Seth Roberts, platform chairman and Walla Walla Community College student from Australia. “The 2016 NWYC shed new light on this ‘old’ doctrine in ways I had never before understood.” The music, sermons and fellowship together was wonderful. “NWYC was a huge blessing to many people,” commented Thomas Mayhew Jr., attendee from Tri-Cities, Wash. The church was packed with youth and adults eager to listen to Jorge Baute, Hayden Lake and Rathdrum District pastor, and Sean Nebblett, biblical counselor from New Mexico, present in 11 power-
packed sermons the gospel through the sanctuary. Over the weekend, Nebblett challenged the youth to live a life of complete surrender to God, sharing with them the “defining marks of the men and women made free by the sacrifice of the Lamb.” Speaking of Nebblett’s presentations, Jeanelle Pestes, music coordinator and Washington State University student, said, “NWYC gave me new ways to think. Contrary to promoted science, ‘heaven is preoccupied with the survival of the weakest.’” Baute inspired them to live their lives above the norm, showing in practical
v
21
june 2016
terms that Jesus is able to fully, amply and entirely save us from the bondage of sin. “During NWYC, I gained a better understanding of Christ’s righteousness and the importance of spending time with Him in prayer and Bible study,” wrote Emily Heagy, an attendee from Walla Walla, Wash. “The speakers and messages at NWYC opened my eyes to see the real hope in God’s plan to make His people perfect,” remarked Brianna, a Walla Walla University student. “I used to be so afraid that I would never be good enough for Him, but I know now I don’t have to be afraid because God is right beside me — helping me at every step.” Learn more about the conference at nwyc.org. Emily Duffield, Stateline Church young adult member
JULIANNA BISHOP
Sean Nebblett, biblical counselor from New Mexico, challenges the youth during Northwest Youth Conference 2016.
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE // NEWS
WENDY URBIN
UCA ACADEMY DAY OFFERS FUN, EDUCATION
U
Honoring grandparents is the main focus of this special weekend. Students enjoy having them see their performances.
UCA HONORS GRANDPARENTS WITH MUSIC, ART
T
he annual Grandparent Weekend and Spring Arts Festival was held this past spring on the campus of Upper Columbia Academy (UCA) in Spangle, Wash. Students performed a play, This I Know, written by sophomore Kaitlyn Kramer. They also shared personal messages, displayed their artwork and performed lots of music. The weekend concluded with a gymnastics team performance. Another special item of the weekend was the dedication of the Nathan Greene painting, The Blessed Hope, during the worship hour. The event’s format changed about seven years ago to include every creative outlet on the campus. The art teacher displays student projects including paintings, pottery and quilting. The industrial arts teacher shows his students’ woodworking, welding and automotive projects. The stained glass teacher shares beautiful glass projects from her students, and the yearbook class members display their best photography.
“We are blessed with such wonderful students,” Dean Kravig, UCA band and orchestra director, says. “The Springs Arts Festival portion is like a prism to me. Just as a prism splits up all the different colors of light, you can see so many different aspects of the talent on this campus in one evening.” Bob Lenz, UCA information technology services director, works with a team of student volunteers to stream many of UCA’s events live online for family and friends who are not able to attend in person. The majority of the performances for Grandparent Weekend and Spring Arts Festival are available on the Upper Columbia Academy YouTube channel. For more information about Upper Columbia Academy, please visit our website at ucaa. org or email info@ucaa.org. Tamara Michalenko Terry, Upper Columbia Academy communication coordinator
pper Columbia Academy (UCA) Academy Day was literally a hair-raising experience this year as students had the opportunity to touch a Van de Graaff generator at one of the stations. Almost every teacher had a quiz or activity to provide the students a handson experience. The yearbook class even gave visitors some of their student photography as prizes. The schedule for Academy Day on April 7, was modified this year so the Knowledge Bowl finale could be held in the gymnasium for everyone to see. A random team of students who hadn’t met before won the Knowledge Bowl along with a UCA scholarship. “We’ve had several years where random teams have won,” says Joe Hess, UCA men’s dean and vice principal for student life. “Just shows it pays to sign up.” Held every spring, Academy Day provides prospective students the opportunity to
tour the campus, attend classes, hear music department performances, see a gymnastics show and visit “teacher tables” with activities, quizzes, scholarships and prizes. Adults can also attend a finance seminar and learn about a variety of scholarship opportunities to assist with tuition and boarding expenses. “You don’t have to wait until the next Academy Day to visit our campus, though,” adds John Winslow, UCA principal. “Just give us a call, and we’d be happy to give you a tour.” See more photos by Parker Bailey in the Academy Day 2016 photo album on UCA’s Facebook page. For more information, please visit the UCA website at ucaa.org or email info@ucaa.org. Tamara Michalenko Terry
TAMARA TERRY
The UCA Academy Day Knowledge Bowl winners created their team the day of the event. They won and received a UCA scholarship.
More online at glnr.in/111-06-uc_grandparents
22
june 2016
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE // NEWS
CCA STUDENTS RETURN TO BELIZE
A
group of students, staff and church members from Cascade Christian Academy (CCA) and the Wenatchee Church in Washington headed south to Belmopan, Belize, in 2014 to help build a security fence around the King’s Children’s Home (KCH), an orphanage that ministers to children whose parents are unable to take care of them. After many fundraiser lunches, dinners and letters, 31 teens and adults returned to KCH to work again during spring break 2016. This time the projects included raising a block church and school building, painting a gift shop, and building and refinishing picnic tables for the orphanage’s dining room and volunteer facility. KCH, funded 90 percent by donations, is at the mercy of schools, churches and private individuals and groups that are mission-minded. God continues to bless the home with friends around the world who come and support it with their time and financial assistance. In the two short years between CCA’s visits to the orphanage, many changes had taken place. The security fence was completed, a small gift
Cascade Christian Academy mission team serves in Belize.
work, CCA students made their way up to the worship room of the orphanage to spend time with the children. Squirming little ones with bright eyes would jump on laps or pull chairs over to have the teens sit next to them. When worship began, those same children would sing at the top of their lungs to Jesus and then recite verse after verse from the Psalms. After worship, the older KCH children headed for the outside basketball court, where some of the CCA basketball team, girls and boys, joined them for a friendly game. Other academy students just held the toddlers or talked and played with the children.
Samantha Molander, Cascade Christian Academy sophomore, spends time with one of the orphaned children in Belize.
shop had been constructed near the entrance, a new playground structure was built and new clotheslines had been strung (a project that CCA students had funded). Cows, sheep and chickens had been acquired to offer fresh meat, milk and eggs to supplement the children’s diet, and a greenhouse had been built to eventually grow fresh produce. While all these new additions are greatly needed at KCH, the children themselves are the most important element. Each evening after
Bonds were formed that would be remembered for eternity. God willing, CCA plans to return to Belize in 2018 so more of its students can participate in this mission opportunity. If your school or church is looking for a ministry, consider the King’s Children’s Home. For more information about KCH, go to kingschildrenshome.org. For long-term and short-term mission trip and volunteer information, email Brenda Mandelis, brenda@ kingschildrenshome.org. Julie Savino, Cascade Christian Academy chaplain
Devyn Hill, Hannah Stonas and Zach Molander were just a few of the students who worked each day raising the block church and school building.
23
june 2016
WASHINGTON
CONFERENCE // LIVING GOD’S MISSION More online at glnr.in/111-06-wa_skagit
PRAYERS ANSWERED BY SKAGIT’S HOMELAND MISSION
S
ixteen students from Skagit Adventist Academy (SAA) in Burlington were making their first introductions when they arrived in Plummer, Idaho. The pastor’s wife admitted that she was unaware of where Skagit County was located in Washington until the group arrived. The group was amused too because they didn’t know where Plummer was located until their spring break homeland mission trip in March. DOUG WHITE
Living Hope Church in Plummer, Idaho, forms a new connection with Skagit Adventist Academy students who spent their spring break helping the congregation continue building a longawaited church home.
There was quite a bit of apprehension in the mind of Doug White, SAA principal, because it was his first time planning a domestic mission trip. He wondered whether or not there would be enough meaningful work. The primary mission trip job was to hang drywall
in the new church, but upon arrival on the job site the group could see a variety of other tasks — like a truckload of gravel in the entryway — that would keep them very busy for the short 10 days they would be there. A special answer to prayer was the late addition of Rick Wesley and his son, Gabriel, to the mission group. Wesley is a master metal craftsman and has taught his son to be a very competent welder. With their expertise, they were able to design and fabricate the supports for the log structures being added to the church to give it the look and feel of a Native American longhouse. Students spent hours handplaning the logs in preparation for installation. TAMI ROWE
Skagit students host an afterschool basketball clinic for local students during their spring break homeland mission trip.
Skagit students worked on construction projects in the morning. Right after school dismissal, they ran a Vacation
Bible School for kindergarten through fourth grade and a basketball camp for grades five to eight. The student volunteers had prepared ahead of time and could have accommodated up to 50 children in each group. The number of elementary students participating ended up being a smaller, more manageable group who loved to interact with Skagit students. “Not only did we help build a church and do things with the kids, but we also impacted the kids’ lives,” says Anthony Burger, a junior at SAA. The people of the Living Hope Church in Plummer have been working on their new church for the past three years. Their efforts to build their church debt-free had been the result of many answered prayers, including the Skagit group’s visit. “It was encouraging and very inspiring to hear that the efforts we made to help the church in Plummer were a direct answer to prayer,” says White. “As we left the church work site for the last time, we gathered together for a prayer of dedication for the work we had accomplished.” Doug White, SAA principal, and Tami Rowe, SAA teacher
24
june 2016
BIG PICTURE OF MINISTRY
Three academy mission trips originating in western Washington allowed Auburn Adventist Academy, Orcas Christian School and Skagit Adventist Academy students and staff to participate in two spring break service projects in the Philippines and one homeland mission trip in Plummer, Idaho. Read more about all three service projects at glnr.in/111-06-wa_missions! TOM ROOSMA
A Philippines mission trip allows Orcas Christian School students to experience a life of service by interacting with locals, helping with projects big and small, and expanding students’ worldviews. TOM ROOSMA
Matthew Harlow from Orcas Christian School helps as a dental assistant on the school’s spring break mission trip to the Philippines. CHAN HWANG
Auburn Adventist Academy students work on a variety of projects in the Philippines including local construction, Vacation Bible School programs and assisting doctors with providing medical care.
WASHINGTON
LIVING GOD’S MISSION // CONFERENCE
Auburn Adventist Academy students share gifts of service with the community.
AAA STUDENTS OFFER GIFTS OF SERVICE
O
n a Friday morning when students are typically studying in class, Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) students were out-andabout in the community working on service projects. At the Auburn Environmental Park service site, city workers gave Auburn students instructions and divided tasks for building an access ramp and for beautifying a pathway. The AAA volunteers worked with purpose, measuring angles and calculating where to cut the wood for the ramp. They applied their math skills outside the classroom and accomplished much more than the city had planned. Meanwhile, a second AAA team was not to be outdone, and they kept up the work pace as they mulched a nearby trail and park entrance. Altogether, 220 students participated in the big adventure of going into the surrounding community on April 8 to help with 13 service projects, including Auburn Valley Humane Society and thrift store, Auburn Library, ACAP Child and Family Services, and Mary Olson Farm. “Whenever our students
spend time intentionally serving the people of Auburn, there is an overwhelming amount of positive feedback,” says Katelyn Campbell, AAA Bible teacher and Community Service Day organizer. “From park workers who have never seen teenagers work so hard to disabled neighbors who are amazed by the students’ active compassion, this city is significantly impacted by our students at Auburn Adventist Academy as they demonstrate what it is like to be the hands and feet of God.” Having different service options was helpful so students could explore their individual gifts of service. “What is important is no matter what job you choose, if you put your heart into it and do your job to the best of your ability, the people you are working for will notice, and they will remember,” reflects Faith Jordan, AAA freshman. “You will have impacted someone’s life for the better, and you will have helped to greatly improve the Christian name.” Stacy Tejel, AAA English teacher
OLYMPIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL LAUNCHES HONOR SOCIETY
O
lympia Christian School (OCS) launched a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) in April. In launching the chapter, the school inducted its first two students: eighth-grader Aldercy Ramirez-Diaz and seventh-grader Isaac Roy. The National Junior Honor Society encourages junior high students to grow in five areas: scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship. This organization was formed in 1929 to encourage junior high students to promote scholarship and character development and to pursue membership in the senior organization, National Honor Society, which was founded in 1921 for high school students. An advisory board from OCS determines membership and oversees the program to
ensure adherence to the high academic and character standards and community involvement, says Sharron Schwartz, OCS principal. The OCS chapter requires a 3.5 GPA for two consecutive quarters, good behavior and participation in community service projects to qualify. Charlotte Hayes serves as the NJHS advisor for the school. During the induction ceremony, OCS students lit five candles, recited the NJHS pledge, and received a yellow rose (NJHS flower), a certificate and a NJHS pin. Honor students receive a quarterly lunch outing and take the lead in OCS activities, school promotion and community service projects. Charlotte Hayes, Olympia Christian School NJHS chapter sponsor
Charlotte Hayes (left), National Junior Honor Society advisor for Olympia Christian School, welcomes the newly established honor chapter’s first two students.
25
june 2016
WASHINGTON
CONFERENCE // LIVING GOD’S MISSION HEIDI BAUMGARTNER
PAROUSIA COMPLETES HOUSE OF PRAYER
P
arousia Russian-Ukrainian Church is humbly in awe of what God orchestrated with the construction of their new church home in Federal Way, Wash. This congregation began in 2001 as a small group of four core families at Auburn City Church and officially became a church in 2006. Today, the Parousia congregation has 179 members and 78 children — and now they have their own house of prayer. Throughout their project of faith, Parousia leaders partnered with local Adventist leaders and businessmen. Mike Van Steenwyk, a real estate agent, helped them find a piece of property five years ago. Don Kirkman, an architect, helped the congregation design a worship space, and Peter Vukshich, a contractor, led the building project. “God has a beautiful new home in Federal Way,” says
Jerry Russell, Washington Conference vice president for finance, whose team partnered with the congregation in managing the project budget. The Parousia Church also received a lot of Adventist community support in its fundraising process. The church family regularly held benefit concerts and dinners featuring Russian cuisine. In the midst of the HEIDI BAUMGARTNER
You are welcome to come visit Parousia Russian-Ukrainian’s new house of prayer in Federal Way, Wash.
construction project, the pastoral leadership changed in early 2015 with the retirement of Victor Krushenitskyi and the introduction of Sergei Kuzman. Both leaders acknowledge this was a project of faith to build a house of prayer. The high level of member involvement helped bond the church family and led to balanced decisions. “I want to praise God for how He’s led in this church and this project,” says Krushenitskyi. In the grand opening on April 23, the Parousia members honored God for their project of faith through prayers of dedication and performances by a children’s choir, youth choir, combined choir and church orchestra. In addition, the congregation hosted an evening concert of thanksgiving. “We’ve always praised God through music,” Kuzman says.
Key local contributors, who gave of their time and talent to help build Parousia RussianUkrainian congregation, line the stage in the new church facility.
“This church wouldn’t be without the blessings of God and the dedication of His people,” says John Freedman, Washington Conference president, during the church’s grand opening sermon. “My prayer is that this church will breathe the gospel, share the gospel and live the gospel.” You are welcome to visit the Parousia RussianUkrainian Church located at 1860 S 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98003. Heidi Baumgartner, Washington Conference communication director
LCAS HOSTS CAREER FAIR
I
Representatives from the coroner’s office participate in Lewis County’s student career fair.
t’s never too early for students to start thinking about career options, so Lewis County Adventist School (LCAS) in Chehalis, Wash., hosted a career fair for students on April 21. Representing a variety of career fields, presenters included a physical therapist, nurse, pediatrician, cosmetologist, ophthalmologist, eye surgeon
and representatives from the coroner’s office. These professionals were asked to share with students what education was required for their careers, how hard or easy it is to find a job in that field, how much a person would make, and any other things the students might find interesting. The purpose of the career fair is to inspire students to 26
june 2016
think about their future and what they can learn and do. The school wants to encourage students to think beyond elementary and high school and discover interests and possibilities in different career fields. Karen Carlton, Lewis County Adventist School principal
TRY GOOD WORD!
Good Word is a 13-minute recorded discussion
MEMB ERS O F
between a faculty member in the Walla
THE W WU S CHOO L OF
Walla University School of Theology and two discussion partners. Good Word complements the Sabbath School lesson study topic each week and is available for listening prior to your Sabbath School discussion at your own church.
3 ways to access Good Word 1. Visit goodword.wallawalla.edu with any web browser. At this website you can listen online and subscribe with RSS. You’ll also find archived recordings of previous Good Word conversations.
2. Order a cassette tape or CD at goodword.wallawalla.edu. Click on the “Order” button in the top right corner.
3. Access Good Word podcasts through iTunes. Search the iTunes store for Good Word. Choose the option with the Good Word fish logo. If you subscribe to Good Word podcasts, the most recent episode will appear in the podcasts section of your iTunes library, and future episodes will be downloaded automatically as they become available.
v
For more information about Good Word, contact the Walla Walla University School of Theology at (509) 527-2194.
THEO LOGY
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY // NEWS
WWU OPENS CENTER TO UPLIFT ALL RACES, ETHNICITIES AND CULTURES
W
alla Walla University held a dedication ceremony in April for the newly formed Donald Blake Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Culture. The mission of the center will be to promote research, to provide educational resources and to encourage acts of service as they relate to race, ethnicity and culture. The center is named in honor of Donald Blake, a member of the faculty in the Walla Walla College Department of Biological Sciences from 1962 to 1969. When Blake accepted the position at WWC in 1962, he was one of the first black tenure-track faculty members to be hired at a predominately white Seventh-day Adventist college or university. Blake taught general biology, anatomy and physiology, ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, and freshwater ecology. Blake has held numerous teaching positions and administrative positions in higher education. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood College, Blake has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Michigan State University, a doctorate from the University of Rhode Island, and an honorary
(From left) David Richardson, WWU vice president for student life and mission; Pedrito Maynard-Reid, WWU assistant to the president for diversity and professor of biblical studies and missiology; Timothy Golden, WWU professor of philosophy and director of the Donald Blake Center; Donald Blake; and John McVay, WWU president.
doctorate from Briarwood College. The Donald Blake Center will promote research through an annual conference featuring a keynote speaker who is a leading scholar on subject matter related to the study of race, ethnicity and culture. The center will offer workshops on curriculum inclusiveness and multiculturalism and will encourage student-led involvement in inner-city missions and social justice campaigns. These acts of service will benefit community groups, government agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations that address social problems connected to racism and its effects on social and cultural life. “In an increasingly divided and divisive cultural milieu,
it can be all too easy for us to forget the values of cultural literacy and diversity that should be deeply embedded in our institutional and missional DNA,” said John McVay, WWU president . “We need the Donald Blake Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Culture to foster the campus-wide conversation and pedagogical innovation that are essential in this challenging yet opportunity-laden moment,” said McVay. “If Walla Walla University is to have a robust future — and by God¹s grace, it shall — it will be a diverse future. The Donald Blake Center will help us in the pivot toward that future, and will help us thrive in the days to come.” Reflecting recently on 28
june 2016
the new center named in his honor, Blake said, “My employment at Walla Walla College led to the integration of higher education in the Adventist education system. Whoever thought that a simple phone call on Memorial Day in 1962 would result in this center being named for me or the center being set up? Since Walla Walla College took the initiative to integrate Adventist higher education, this center is a natural follow-up.” Timothy Golden, WWU professor of philosophy, has been named director of the Donald Blake Center. Kim Strobel, Walla Walla University marketing and university relations supervisor
ADVENTIST HEALTH NORTHWEST // NEWS
EMPLOYEES SHRED POUNDS IN WEIGHT LOSS COMPETITION
A
dventist Health embraces wellness for employees, believing a healthy workforce is essential to the mission of the organization — whole-person health of the mind, body and spirit. As an organization, Adventist Health is undertaking wellness initiatives to inspire and encourage employees and providers to care for their own health. At Tillamook Regional Medical Center on the Oregon coast, the surgery department recently concluded a 12-week weight loss competition called Surgery Shred. “After the holidays, people were grousing about weight gain,” says Kelley Downing, surgery director. “We talked about what we could do to lose weight as a team; people were interested in a ‘biggest loser’ competition.” Nineteen contestants paid a $50 entry fee to create a pot of $950, winner take all. They measured success by the percentage of body weight lost. Contestants had weekly weigh-ins, and those who gained weight had to pay $1 per pound. That money was split between the secondand third-place winners. The team experienced ups and downs over the
12-week period, but they persevered and finished strong, losing a combined total of 169 pounds. Michel Cordova, 22, who works for environmental services in the surgery department, was the top Surgery Shred winner. She lost 8.96 percent of her body weight — 23 pounds. “$950 was a lot of motivation,” admits Cordova. When asked if she spent her winnings on something fun, she explained, “That money is for college.” Cordova wants to go to college to become a surgery scrub technician. “I live at home with my parents,” Cordova says. “My mom helped me with the diet by cooking healthy foods for me. I gave my mom some of my winnings for helping me.” Cordova increased her
activity and decreased her calorie intake. “I drank more water and ate more fruit,” she says. “My mom stopped frying our food and started steaming everything instead. Now we’re all getting healthier.” She began walking and jogging three times a week and even borrowed a friend’s dog to motivate her to get out. She also joined the YMCA and began burning calories playing Wii fitness games. “I’m just going to keep doing the same things,” Cordova says of her plans to sustain her weight loss. “I have more energy. This was good for me. It changed me. I worked too hard to go back now.” Laurie Sass, a registered nurse, came in second
The Surgery Shred team at TRMC celebrates with their “biggest winner,” Michel Cordova (middle front).
with a weight loss of 18 pounds — 8.55 percent of her body weight. Her colleague Mike Russell, clinical engineering director, came in third place with a weight loss of 15 pounds — 5.96 percent of his body weight. Weight loss wasn’t the only benefit reported. Russell says that his blood pressure went down with the weight loss and change of diet, “to the point that I had to get off of my blood pressure medications,” he says. “I feel great — better than I have in years!” Mary Faith Bell, Tillamook Regional Medical Center marketing and communications director
TRMC
v
29
june 2016
FAMILYMILESTONES
Bevins 50th
ning musical programs. Bob Bob and Doris Babcock volunteers at Positive Lifestyle Bevins celebrated their 50th Network, helping keep four wedding anniversary at the TV channels and one radio Clarkston Church station up and fellowship hall in running. They eastern Washhave traveled ington on April with mission trips 2. Their chiland vacation trips dren — Ken, extensively. Karen and The Bevins Kathy — hostfamily includes ed dinner for Kenneth and 100 friends and Cherie Bevins Bob and Doris Bevins family. The of Boise, Idaho; couple’s wedding Karen Lynn songs were performed, and the Miles of Yakima, Wash.; event included a slideshow and Kathy and Loren Bordeaux of tributes. Battle Ground, Wash.; and 7 Bob and Doris were margrandchildren. ried April 3, 1966, in Riverside, Calif. Bob finished his Emerson 90th degrees in business administraEvelyn Emerson, a member tion and physical therapy, and of the Billings (Mont.) Church Doris also finished her physical since 1949, celebrated her 90th therapy degree at Loma Linda birthday at a brunch with University. her four daughters and their Next they moved to Ann families. Arbor, Mich., where Bob Evelyn Poole was born finished his master’s degree in April 21, 1925, on a homestead public health in 1967. They started their family there, but welcomed a job in Santa Cruz, Calif., in 1969, where two daughters joined the family. A final move to Clarkston seemed a good fit. Both Bob and Doris worked there in physical therapy until retirement. Doris still helps out occasionally with lymphedema Evelyn Emerson patients because she is internationally certified in lymphede- near Roundup, Mont., and has ma management. lived in Montana most of her They are very active and life. enjoy walking, gardening and After living in Billings for even water skiing still at Camp 52 years, where she had been MiVoden in Hayden, Idaho, a teacher and foster parent for with all their children and children with special needs, grandchildren each summer she moved near Red Lodge during Family Camp. Doris is to open a quilt shop with her a musician and enjoys playing daughter. the piano and organ and planThrough God’s grace Ev-
elyn lives alone, drives herself to seniors group and walks on a treadmill. She sews on quilts daily, enjoys birds at her feeders and leads an adult Sabbath School class each week. Evelyn is an avid reader, is reading the Bible through again and attends retired teachers’ meetings. She enjoys writing family stories for her Christmas letter. She says the secret of longevity is found in Prov. 3:1–2.
Hiebert 90th
Elizabeth “Betty” Hiebert celebrated her 90th birthday in Puget Sound, Wash., with family members. She was born Nov. 23, 1925, to Ethel and Jasen Johnson in South Dakota. She along with six siblings Betty Hiebert grew up on the farm there. Her father, prior to becoming a farmer, was a railroad engineer. She has one living sibling — her brother Dale, who is a retired Church of God pastor. Betty met and married Glen DeForrest in 1945. They raised five children — Allen, a retired mechanical engineer, inventor and manufacturer of Bear Canisters; Kenneth, retired firefighter; Cheryl, of Portland, Ore.; Larry, retired electrician in the Puget Sound area; and Cindy, of Seattle, Wash. Betty has nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her mother died in 1948, and Betty prayed to God that she wanted to find the one true church. She didn’t care which denomination. She and
OURFAMILY 30
june 2016
her husband were invited to attend some meetings held in a Quonset hut in Tacoma, Wash. She and Glen were baptized as Seventh-day Adventists in June 1948. The hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” has a special meaning to her. Betty was widowed in 1969. She met and married Art Hiebert, who was raising four children and owned a logging company in Alaska. Together they owned and operated a day care and a senior foster home before retiring. She has had various occupations, but her favorite was as a Bible worker for the church. She was asked to travel in 1993 to the capital city of Tomsk, located in the Siberia region of Russia. She loves to study the Bible, actively teaches a Sabbath School class and leads a Spirit of Prophecy reading group. She was a member of the Gresham Church in Oregon for many years. She has lived at the Village Retirement Center in Gresham since 2004. She previously lived in South Dakota, Tacoma, Alaska and Milton-Freewater, Ore. Her hobbies include quilting, gardening and hummingbird watching. The Village Church is blessed by her participation and membership.
FAMILYBIRTHS BAPTISTA — Lincoln Johnson
Keanuahe was born March 23, 2016, to Lionel R. and Abigail A. (Go) Baptista, Happy Valley, Ore. CHASE — Mackenzie L. was
born Jan. 3, 2016, to Nathan R. and Melinda L. (Douglas) Chase, Seattle, Wash. FAMILYWEDDINGS BECKNER-WILBUR
Jeanne (Woodruff) Beckner and Ken Wilbur were married Feb. 20, 2016, in Long Beach, Wash. They are making their home in Cloverdale, Ore. Jeanne is the daughter of George and Ollie (Wells) Woodruff (both deceased). Ken is the son of Fred and Hazel (Clendenon) Wilbur (both deceased). HERDMAN-KARLOW
Barbara Jeanne (Parker) Herdman and Edwin Anthony Karlow were married April 10, 2016, in Tillamook, Ore. They are making their home in Tillamook and in Walla Walla, Wash. GANN-RYAN
Megan Delight Gann and Nicholas Ryan were married April 24, 2016, in Tillamook, Ore. They are making their home in Battle Ground, Wash. Megan is the daughter of Dennis Gann and Connie (Ward) Woldt. Nicholas is the son of Scott Melvin Hogsett and Laura Jean Underwood. FAMILYATREST AMMON — Alvaletta Mar-
garet (Schield), 99; born Oct. 25, 1916, Stark County, N.D.; died Jan. 10, 2016, College Place, Wash. Surviving: sons, Ray, Damascus, Ore.; Larry, Kamiah, Idaho; daughters, Virginia Ezell, College Place;
FAMILYATREST Bonnie Hilde, Woodburn, Ore.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Point; Victoria Scheuing, Dallas, Ore.; and 2 grandchildren.
dren and a great-grandchild.
BARTHOLOMEW — Lynn
CRAIG — Eunice Berniece
(Pruehs) Beauchamp, 90; born July 14, 1925, Everett, Wash.; died Jan. 18, 2016, Marysville, Wash. Surviving: daughter, Judy (Beauchamp) Symington, Marysville; June (Beauchamp) Angevine, Stanwood, Wash.; 4 grandchildren, a step-grandchild and 6 great-grandchildren.
born July 26, 1929, Eureka, Calif.; died Aug. 13, 2015, Eagle Point, Ore. Surviving: daughter, Patti Stoerrie, Shady Cove, Ore.
Douglas, 69; born June 26, 1946, Spokane, Wash.; died Jan. 4, 2016, Spokane. Surviving: wife, Kathie (Schultz); sons, Jeff, Spokane; Dan, Olympia, Wash.; daughters, Janell Bailey, Lynnwood, Wash.; Sangi Knouff, Olympia; brother, Gary, Spokane; and 9 grandchildren.
DALE — Shirley Ann (Le-
BECHTEL — Lavonne “Von-
man), 77; born Oct. 22, 1938, Taunton, Mass.; died Dec. 16, 2015, Cottage Grove, Ore. Surviving: husband, Dick; sons, Wayne, Cleveland, Ohio; Daniel, Cottage Grove; daughters, Debbie Carr, Roseburg, Ore.; Kimberly Davis, Veneta, Ore.; 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
nie” Lois (Bovee), 82; born July 14, 1932, Sioux Falls, S.D.; died Jan. 24, 2016, Walla Walla, Wash. Surviving: sons, Lynden J., Sandpoint, Idaho; Marlin R., Walla Walla; Stanley R., College Place, Wash.; daughter, Kerri R. Finkbiner, College Place; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. BISCHOFF — Naomi (Can-
aday), 87; born May 15, 1928, Decatur, Neb.; died March 8, 2016, Centralia, Wash. Surviving: daughter, Theresa Wilkinson, Walla Walla, Wash.; and a grandchild.
DICK — Becky (Becker), 91;
born Feb. 11, 1925, Walla Walla, Wash.; died Feb. 11, 2016, Oregon City, Ore. Surviving: husband, Warren; sons, James, Angwin, Calif. Bill, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughters, Carol Sellards, Oregon City; Mary Lou Van Laanen, Boulder, Colo.; Bonnie Dick, Oregon City; and 4 grandchildren.
BLACKBURN — Mark
Wayne, 60; born Oct. 14, 1955, Indianapolis, Ind.; died Feb. 9, 2016, Walla Walla, Wash. Surviving: wife, Jessica M. (Drone); sons, Jesse L., College Place, Wash.; Devon J., Spokane, Wash.; daughter, Cara M. Wilson, Woodburn, Ore.; mother, Roberta (Hodge) Blackburn, Ossian, Ind.; brothers, Steven, Columbia, Mich.; David, Ossian; sisters, Sharon Blackburn, Ossian; Charla Ducette; and 4 grandchildren.
FUCHS-LINDSAY — Audrey
Marie (Reinhardt) Fuchs, 90; born Oct. 18, 1925, Sheboygan, Wis.; died Feb. 18, 2016, Walla Walla, Wash. Surviving: husband, Curtis Lindsay; sons, Stephen W. Fuchs, College Place, Wash.; Robert K. Fuchs, Portland, Ore.; Thomas B. Fuchs, Enterprise, Ore.; brother, Ernst Reinhardt, Green Bay, Wis.; sisters, Betty (Reinhardt) Bunnell, Woodburn, Ore.; Mary (Reinhardt) Radke, Shawno, Wis.; 4 grandchil-
CISMAS — Laurentia (Dates),
92; born Nov. 27, 1923, Youngstown, Ohio; died March 12, 2016, Eagle Point, Ore. Surviving: husband, Elie; daughters, Doina Jeffery, Eagle
GILLASPY — William, 86;
GRAY — Lavina L. (Potter)
Avila, 94; born June 13, 1921, Terreton, Idaho; died Nov. 11, 2015, Rigby, Idaho. Surviving: daughters, Elva Hall, Rigby; Connie Allred, Twin Falls, Idaho; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. HAWKES — William “Bill”
Edward, 70; born Aug. 4, 1945, Oxford, Maine; died Feb. 3, 2016, Mebane, N.C. Surviving: wife, Elouise (Stancil) Hawkes, of North Carolina and Alaska; son, William Hawkes Jr., of Germany; stepsons, Thomas Bugbee, Princeton, N.C.; James Clay Rhodes, Hurdle Mills, N.C.; Brian Bugbee, Roxboro, N.C.; daughter, June (Hawkes) Shabazz, Mebane; 6 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. HEUSTON — Bernice Lorena
(Collier) Nieman King, 93; born March 4, 1922, Vassar, Mich.; died Dec. 2, 2015, Paradise, Calif. Surviving: son, Harry R. “Rick” Nieman, of Oregon; daughters, Nancy Allen, of California; Sue Allen, of Pennsylvania; Sally McKelvy, of Washington; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. HOLBROOK — Emma
(Reichel), 93; born June 22, 1922, Sidney, Mont.; died Feb. 25, 2016, Missoula, Mont. Surviving: son, John, Oak Harbor, Wash.; daughter, Kathleen Farrell, Missoula; brother, John Reichel, Billings, Mont.; 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
OURFAMILY 31
june 2016
FAMILYATREST HUNI — Bonnie Arlene
(Hoosier) Mason Redden, 88; born May 8, 1927, Los Angeles, Calif.; died Dec. 1, 2015, Spokane, Wash. Surviving: sons, James Mason, Spokane; Allen Redden, McKinleyville, Calif.; Lawrence Redden, Pensacola, Fla.; Criss Huni, Camano Island, Wash.; daughter, Terrie Redden, Walla Walla, Wash.; 6 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. MAGARIAN — Kathryn
Elizabeth (Nelson), 84; born Dec. 2, 1931, Los Angeles, Calif.; died March 5, 2016, Los Angeles. Surviving: brother, Bernard Nelson, Sonora, Calif.; sisters, Frances Foster, Colville, Wash.; and Carolyn Hardy, Belfair, Wash. MCGUIRE — Arline B. (An-
derson), 80; born Dec. 7, 1934, Takilma, Ore.; died Aug. 31, 2015, Clackamas, Ore. Surviving: husband, David, Estacada, Ore.; sons, Gary and Duane, both of Estacada; Melvin, Nampa, Idaho; brother, Andy Anderson, Walla Walla, Wash.; sister, Cleone Anderson, Redding, Calif.; 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and a step-great-grandchild. MEYER — Michael “Mick-
ey” Albert, 77; born Oct. 22, 1938, Seattle, Wash.; died Feb. 13, 2016, Loon Lake, Wash. Surviving: wife, Sonia (Trevino); son, Michael II, Spokane, Wash.; daughter, Michelle Walker, Spokane; brothers, Herb, Oceanside, Calif.; Chuck, Escondido, Calif.; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. MILLER — D. Roger, 80;
born March 14, 1935, Manfred, N.D.; died Feb. 22, 2016, Warrenton, Ore. Surviving: wife, Joyce (Sivertson); and
brother, Dale, Harvey, N.D. NEWBOLD — Robson Sims,
97; born Nov. 19, 1918, New Rochelle, N.Y.; died Feb. 18, 2016, Redlands, Calif. Surviving: sons, Robson S., Redlands; Dwight, Frederick, Md.; James, Chicago, Ill.; Scott, Walla Walla, Wash.; daughters, Jean Newbold, Redlands; Carol Eldridge, Ukiah, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mae Falch, both of Las Vegas, Nev.; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
daughter, Heather J. Williams, of California.
SEELEY — Richard A., 82;
born Nov. 5, 1927, Big Timber, Mont.; died Jan. 10, 2016, Walla Walla, Wash. Surviving: wife, Pearlene (Putnam) Appley; sons, Don Wick, Meridian, Idaho; Rick Wick, Marshfield, Wis.; stepson, Todd Appley, Walla Walla; daughters, Donna (Wick) Schirmer, Topeka, Kan.; Barbara (Wick) Calahan, Middleton, Idaho; Angie Wick, Porterville, Calif.; stepdaughters, Cheryl (Appley) Dixon, Nampa, Idaho; Teresa (Appley) Wilkens, Spokane, Wash.; Paula Appley, Walla Walla; 19 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
born Feb. 24, 1933, Hood River, Ore.; died Dec. 20, 2015, Redmond, Ore. Surviving: sons, Steven “Rick,” Warrenton, Ore.; Wesley “Buz,” Gaston, Ore.; daughters, Sheri Seeley, Terrebonne, Ore.; Beverly Stadick, Portland, Ore.; sister, Shirley Hinsdale, Bartlesville, Okla.; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
PALMER — Louella Geniva
(Robbins) Matthews Wassom, 95; born Dec. 23, 1920, Spokane, Wash.; died Dec. 28, 2015, Seattle, Wash. Surviving: sons, Rodney Palmer, Mount Lake Terrace, Wash.; Leonard Wassom, of Oregon; Gary Matthews, of California; daughters, Doryce Palmer Seibold, Granite Falls, Wash.; Rovena (Wassom) Hill, of Oregon; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
SMICK — Lorrell Dwight,
79; born March 22, 1936, Endicott, Wash.; died March 11, 2016, Palm Springs, Calif. Surviving: wife, Shirley (Lewis), Walla Walla, Wash.; son, Jason, Walla Walla; daughter, Debbie Muthersbaugh, Walla Walla; daughter, Tami Smick, Portland, Ore.; and 2 grandchildren. UNTERSEHER — Gertrude
PAYNE — Elsie V. (Wilson),
(Ernst), 86; born Nov. 27, 1927, Engelsburg, Poland; died July 9, 2014, Lincoln, Neb. Surviving: son, Allen, Lincoln; daughters, Ingrid Unterseher, Portland, Ore.; Doris Raines, Boise, Idaho; and 4 grandchildren.
99; born Dec. 29, 1916, Beach, N.D.; died Jan. 27, 2016, Wheeler, Ore. Surviving: sister, Elva Payne, Wheeler, Ore. PAYNE — Elva (Wilson)
Henderson, 101; born Dec. 9, 1914, Beach, N.D.; died Feb. 2, 2016, Wheeler, Ore. Surviving: daughter, Doris Ripley, Beaverton, Ore.; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
WALLACE — Preston L., 87;
born April 7, 1928, Salina, Kan.; died Feb. 23, 2016, Dowagiac, Mich. Surviving: wife, Melody (Newcomb); son, David, Angwin, Calif.; daughters, Wanda VanRaden, Mohrsville, Pa.; Shirley Buck, EauClaire, Mich.; brother, Gerald, Bull Lake, Mich.; sister, Ruth Lodahl, Spokane, Wash.; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
SALERNO — Patricia June
(Sandow), 81; born March 25, 1934, Stockton, Calif.; died Feb. 2, 2016, Boise, Idaho. Surviving: husband, Kenneth Sr.; son, Kenneth Jr., New Plymouth, Idaho; daughter, Valerie Smith, Livermore, Calif.; brothers, Robert Sandow, Keene, Texas; Fred Sandow, Salem, Ore.; Dean Sandow, Scappoose, Ore.; sisters, Beverly Anderson and Elta
WESCOTT — Mary Sue
(Callis), 90; born Jan. 15, 1925, Ringgold, Ga.; died Oct. 15, 2015, Wildwood, Ga. Surviving: son, Gerard Bently Wescott, of Tennessee; and
OURFAMILY 32
june 2016
WICK — Norman Henry, 88;
WOODS — Ron N., 72;
born Dec. 27, 1943, Lynchburg, Va.; died Dec. 31, 2015, Spokane, Wash. Surviving: wife, Joyce; sons, Monty, Lake Stevens, Wash.; Paul, Spokane; daughter, Julie Martin, Carson, Wash.; and 3 grandchildren. The Gleaner also accepts expanded obituary announcements with short bio and photo. For submission and cost info, contact info@gleanernow. com or call 360-857-7043.
Go to GleanerNow.com/ contribute to submit family announcements. The North Pacific Union Conference Gleaner accepts family listings as a service to members of Adventist churches in the Northwest. While this information is not intended as an endorsement of any facts or relationships represented, the Gleaner does not knowingly print content contrary to the biblical beliefs of the Seventhday Adventist Church.
ANNOUNCEMENTS NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
Filipino Families July 19–23 — We are encouraging you to attend Gladstone
Offering
Camp Meeting. Please plan to have lunch, potluck style, following the Sabbath morning service, at Rivergate Adventist School, 1505 Rivergate School Rd., Gladstone, Ore., next to the campgrounds.
June 4 — Local Church Budget; June 11 — NAD Multilingual Ministries/Chaplaincy
Ministries; June 18 — Local Church Budget; June 25 — Local Conference Advance.
UPPER COLUMBIA
AHA Cowboy Camp Meeting
Children’s Ministries Training Workshops at UCC Camp Meeting
June 28–July 2 — The Adventist Horseman’s Association’s
34th annual Cowboy Camp Meeting is coming “BBQ Flats” near the town of Selah, in the Wenas Valley (north of Yakima, Wash.). A Discover Pass is required to camp at this great site. You are welcome for the whole time or just Sabbath. Bring a lawn chair and plan on a potluck meal after the Sabbath message. Come and enjoy God’s great outdoors, friendly people, horses, auction, kids parade, trail challenge, music and singing, and inspiring daily messages under the big tent. Speaker Ken Mather, who was manager/curator at the historic O’Keefe Ranch in Canada and has written several books regarding the history of ranching in British Columbia, likes to include cowboy poetry and stories in his sermons. You will be blessed! For more information, go to the AHA website at adventisthorsemansassociation.weebly.com or email Charlie Brown, AHA president, at cbrown@adventistreconciliation.org.
June 23–24 — Are children a part of your life? Do you lead
More events listed at GleanerNow.com/events.
March 15–26, 2017 — Travel with fellow Adventists to beautiful
in children’s areas? Do you pray for more effective ways to spiritually impact children either in your home, ministry or outreach? This year Rocio Rojas, Upper Columbia Conference Camp Meeting North American Division speaker, will teach five workshops for impacting children and preteens: Bible Learning Activities, Learning Styles/Temperaments, Meeting the Needs of 21st-Century Kids, Teaching Children to Think and Teaching From Nature. If you are working toward your children’s ministries certification all of these workshops will apply. Place: Upper Columbia Academy, 3025 E. SpangleWaverly Rd., Spangle, WA 99031. Keep checking updates at uccsda.org/campmeeting or contact Tamara Terry, 509-2420478, tamarat@uccsda.org, for more information. UCC Educational Tour to Costa Rica
Costa Rica to enjoy breathtaking sites such as the Poas Volcano. Awaken to the sounds of the jungle in Tortuguero, a magical place where lagoons, rivers and canals are an ongoing story of marine biology. Travel by motor launch and coach to Arenal and much more. Each day you will be able to hike trails, see a variety of birds and enjoy a huge contrast in scenery. For a complete itinerary and additional information, contact Sharon Searson at sharons@uccsda.org.
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY June 10–12 — Friends and family are invited to graduation
services at WWU. To learn more, visit wallawalla.edu/grad or call Deirdre Benwell at 509-527-2066. Aug. 26–28 — Dave Thomas, dean of the School of Theology, will be the featured speaker at the WWU alumni weekend at Rosario. Registration for this event opens in June. Cabins and RV sites are available but limited, so reserve your place early. Register at wallawalla.edu/rosario-sabbath or call 800-3772586. WWU at Camp Meeting — WWU faculty and staff will be available at camp meetings throughout the Northwest in June and July. Stop by the WWU booth to say hello and learn the latest news from WWU!
WASHINGTON Missing Members
The Cedarhome Church in Stanwood, Wash., is seeking the following missing members: Jo Anne Ekhoff, Flora Guenther, Robert Howard, Andrew Hubbard, C.J. Hubbard, Tom Olson, Ryan Hugh Smith, Heather Vaughn, Jeannie Vaughn and Tony Vittorio. If you have any information regarding these missing members, please call Jane Wendt at 360-629-2441.
OREGON Strawberry Vespers June 18 — Sunnyside’s 35th annual Strawberry Vespers will be
WORLD CHURCH
at 5:30 p.m., at the Sunnyside Church in Portland, Ore. Bring your friends and enjoy fine sacred music performed by some of Portland’s finest musicians. Strawberry shortcake will be served following the vespers. At 8 p.m. the Heritage Singers will present their 40-year anniversary concert, also at Sunnyside Church.
Calling All Greater New York Academy Alumni Oct. 7–9 — Please join us for our 95th Anniversary Reunion,
honoring classes ending in 0 and 5. Beginning with a Welcome Table supper at 6 p.m. For details and hotel information, contact us on our Greater Nya Facebook page, email alumni@ gnyacademy.org or call GNYA at 718-639-1752.
33
june 2016
ADVERTISEMENTS
Adult Care ADULT FOSTER CARE HOME IN BEAVERTON, owned by an Adventist family with 18 years experience, is offering all levels of care including ventilator and LVAD assistance. For more information, call 503997-7258, or visit us online at newlifecarehome.com.
Automotive NEW AUTOS COST LESS!!! All makes FLEET PRICES. Outof-stock or factory orders. Low-interest financing % and factory rebate programs. Leasing = lower payments and taxes. Quality used vehicles available.
Since 1975
2012 Quality Dealer of the Year 9215 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97225 (503) 629-6000 • Fax (503) 645-1377 www.tommywilsonmotorco.com One Inch ad.indd 1
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OFFERS MASTER’S DEGREES in business, computer science, counseling, education, global community development, nursing, religion and social work. Flexibility is provided through some online and many on-campus programs. Financial aid may be available. For more information, call 423236-2585 or visit southern.edu/ graduatestudies.
TRADE-INS WELCOME. Quotations by phone or fax. Test drive and demo before you buy. Nationwide warranty on new autos. Delivery at your home, office, credit union or our facility. We ship nationwide, Alaska and Hawaii. Save thousands! Call or fax your specific vehicle desires: make, model, options, etc. Contact WESTERN AUTO WHOLESALE & LEASING: Portland, OR, 503-760-8122; Vancouver, WA, 360-263-6521; nationwide 800-284-6612; fax 800300-0484; email wawl@aol.com.
Employment ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO seeks maintenance director for Guam station. Key roles include upkeep of buildings, vehicles and grounds. HVAC certification preferred. It is the policy of the GC to hire only Adventist Church members. Send resume to Kent Sharpe, sharpek@gc.adventist.org.
Classes NEW ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE in media ministry at Walla Walla University. Concentrations available in media/cinema and web/interactive media. To apply, visit apply.wallawalla.edu or call 800-541-8900.
LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY announces available tenure-track
10/4/2011 11:30:25 AM
34
june 2016
faculty positions in: computer science, a growing department with expanded curriculum; biochemistry, as it moves toward ASBMB accreditation; and physics, a strong teaching and scholarship program. Visit https://goo.gl/IlBpwF for more details. ADVENTUROUS NP/PA? Join the Quave Clinic on our medical mission to bring world-class care to those suffering from chronic pain in beautiful Medford, Ore. Startling pay. Excellent benefits. 541-414-8952, jmoses@QuaveClinic.com. LIVING VINE FELLOWSHIP in Auburn, Wash., is seeking a children’s ministry consultant/ director responsible for children’s Sabbath school and church programs. Please contact Paul Eun at paulheun@msn.com, for further information.
ADVERTISEMENTS
MISSION CREEK, a small Christian school in southwest Washington, is looking for a mission-minded teacher and dorm supervisor for our boarding school with 14 students in grades 7–12, for the 2016–2017 school year. Send resume and letter of interest to mnellingsen@yahoo. com. Online mcoutreach.org. VEGETARIAN CULINARY ARTS PROFESSOR to teach vegetarian culinary arts classes at Southern Adventist University, advise
students and participate in service/community. Master’s degree in culinary arts/nutrition or related field required. Experience in culinary arts (restaurant, education, culinary business owner) and chef training/certification(s) desired. Send cover letter, curriculum vitae and statement of teaching philosophy and three references to Dr. Robert Benge, Dean for School of Physical Education, Health and Wellness, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315, rcbenge@southern.edu, 423-236-2855, southern.edu/hr.
or doctorate in clinical/ counseling psychology from APA-accredited program required, and experience in counselor education prior to July 1, 2013. Candidate must be licensed/eligible for licensure in Tennessee and have two years of clinical mental health or PK–12 school counseling. Submit cover letter and CV (including teaching philosophy, research interest, unofficial university transcripts and three reference letters) to Dr. Ileanna Freeman, ileanaf@ southern.edu, 423-236-2960, southern.edu/hr.
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks professor in counseling education for graduate/undergraduate programs and to provide clinical supervision. Doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from CACREP-accredited program,
UNION COLLEGE seeks committed Adventist to establish and direct an occupational therapy assistant program
effective July 2016. Essential qualifications include a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (doctorate preferred), being licensed and registered, and five years of professional experience. Email letter of interest and CV to Rick Young, chair of emergency management and exercise science, r2young@ucollege.edu. SONBRIDGE SEEKS A DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNCATIONS SPECIALIST This person facilitates grant writing and fundraising, fosters community awareness, manages the online presence, and organizes special events. He/she is in charge of communication to SonBridge stakeholders, partners and the community
Sunset Schedule DST June 3 10 17 24 ALASKA CONFERENCE Anchorage 11:23 Fairbanks 12:12 Juneau 9:52 Ketchikan 9:19
11:34 12:31 10:00 9:26
11:41 12:45 10:06 9:31
11:43 12:47 10:08 9:32
IDAHO CONFERENCE Boise 9:21 La Grande 8:34 Pocatello 9:03
9:25 8:39 9:08
9:29 8:43 9:11
9:30 8:44 9:13
MONTANA CONFERENCE Billings 8:58 Havre 9:14 Helena 9:15 Miles City 8:50 Missoula 9:24
9:03 9:19 9:20 8:55 9:29
9:06 9:23 9:24 8:58 9:33
9:08 9:25 9:25 9:00 9:35
OREGON CONFERENCE Coos Bay 8:52 Medford 8:43 Portland 8:53
8:57 8:47 8:58
9:00 8:51 9:02
9:01 8:52 9:04
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE Pendleton 8:39 8:44 Spokane 8:41 8:46 Walla Walla 8:38 8:43 Wenatchee 8:52 8:57 Yakima 8:49 8:54
8:47 8:50 8:47 9:01 8:58
8:49 8:52 8:48 9:02 8:59
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE Bellingham 9:06 Seattle 9:00
9:15 9:09
9:17 9:11
GleanerNow.com/sunset
35
june 2016
9:12 9:06
ADVERTISEMENTS
at large. For more information, see sonbridge.org. Send your resume and cover letter to search@sonbridge.org. ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES (ADU) seeks a full-time religion faculty to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The optimal candidate will be an Adventist with a Christian world view who embraces the mission and ethos of ADU; has an earned Ph.D. degree in religion, theology or ethics, preferably with an emphasis in bioethics; a strong history of teaching and scholarship; and be available to teach beginning this fall. Send CV to Ernest Bursey at ernie. bursey@adu.edu.
Events JOIN US FOR RESTORATION INTERNATIONAL’S NW FAMILY RETREAT held this year on July 13–17, at Upper Columbia Academy, Spangle, Wash. Visit restoration-international.org or call Vernon and Karina Pettey at 406-890-1195. QST QST QST all amateur radio operators. Northwest Adventist Amateur Radio Association invites you to the annual retreat at Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Wash., Aug. 5–7. Come join us for technical talks, disaster response forums and spiritual refreshing. We will teach ham radio license classes Wednesday (Aug. 3) and Thursday (Aug. 4) if enough candidates register. You can qualify for your first license or upgrade your current license. A license exam will follow the classes. Registration forms are at naara.org. For further information, contact Keith at n7acw@arrl.net or call 509-540-0544.
For Sale
office dental building. Condo office arrangement also for sale. Adventist churches and school local. Long-term staff will stay. Call 509-662-3063. No Friday night or Saturday calls.
WORTHINGTON, LOMA LINDA, CEDAR LAKE, AZURE PRODUCT, ETC. Low prices. Auburn Enterprises, Bill and Judy Hoard, 4192 Auburn Rd NE; PO Box 13757, Salem, OR 97309-1757; 503-585-9311; fax 503-585-1805; auburnent@hotmail.com.
TOY WOODEN TRAINS Tumbleweed Toy Trains are made of the finest cherry or walnut. Solidly made. Carefully and handsomely crafted. A perfect gift. More information at tumbleweedtoytrains.com.
THE AUSTRALIAN CAROB CO. has “New Generation” nonbitter carob products that are the sweetest in the world: dry roasted carob powder, raw carob powder, raw carob kibble nibbles and pure carob syrup. Australian Carob has a low glycemic index, which provides a healthy option for diabetics and health-conscious consumers. Our products are gluten-free, nut-free, allergy-free, dairy-free, caffeine-free and are Australian Organic Certified, USDA Certified Organic, Certified Non-GMO, Kosher Certified. Products are sold through Azure Standard. Call 971-200-8350 or caroboutruffles.com.
FOR SALE due to health issues. Thriving and growing construction based business in beautiful Northwest. Sales, installation and service of gymnasium and some residential wood floors, in multistate region. Dealership includes established customer base, vehicles, tools and equipment. No Sabbath issues. Willing to train. Call 509936-3112 or 509-738-4904.
Miscellaneous
SOULS NORTHWEST students need cars for canvassing and Bible work ministry. If you have a car that you could lend or donate, please contact SOULS
NORTHWEST DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE, five operatories; all digital X-rays, location in four-
Northwest at 360-857-7062 or email info@soulsnorthwest.org.
GUIDE MAGAZINE wants to reach readers ages 10–14 with your true, character-building story. Visit guidemagazine.org/ writersguidelines to learn more. To subscribe, call 800-447-7377 or go to guidemagazine.org. LOLO HARRIS Gospel music recording artist, “Sharing the Gospel through song.” CDs and contact information at loloharris.com, call 937-545-8227 or write PO Box 492124, Atlanta, GA 30349. LoLo is currently accepting ministry requests for concerts, evangelism, AYS, retreats, conventions and more, for 2016 and 2017. NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES (NAISS) is recruiting Christian host families to host Chinese students for 30 days this summer (July 15–Aug. 15). Becoming a host family is culturally, financially and spiritually a great blessing. Host families earn $1,450
Cool! A Generations Retirement Community
Have you heard?
One bedroom apartments at $1499
Where?
What?
Exciting!
We have what you are looking for: • Friendly neighbors • Award-winning staff • Wellness-centered philosophy • $150 Restaurant Credit per month
1500 Catherine Street | Walla Walla, WA 99362 | 509.527.9600 | www.wheatlandvillage.com License #1640
16415_WV_Have-U-Heard_Ad_Gleaner.indd 1 june 2016
36
4/21/16 4:27 PM
ADVERTISEMENTS
for the winter program and $1,600 for the summer. If you’re interested, contact us by phone at 541-510-7787 or by email at info@naiss-us.com. DID YOU DONATE TO THE DAYTON ADVENTIST CHURCH Fellowship Hall Building Fund anytime during 2007 to 2016? The 2015–2016 church board is asking you to review your decision. You have three options: you may designate your offerings for another purpose; allow the present church board to use their discretion to identify another use; or you may request a refund of your donated offerings. If you wish a refund, please provide proof of your donation with a receipt, along with your address and phone number. The board will review your request and, subject to board approval, your donation will be refunded. Send your request to: Dayton
Adventist Church, PO Box 73, Dayton, WA 99328.
a.m. in employee recreation hall connected to Old Faithful Lodge.
Real Estate
BECOME A LIFESTYLE COACH! Looking for a training program that combines science and Scripture to minister for Christ? Weimar Institute’s Health Evangelism Program, directed by Pastor Don Mackintosh and Dr. Neil Nedley, is for you. Visit newstartglobal.com to learn more!
ADVENTIST REAL ESTATE BROKER 35+ years experience, residential and commercial. Serving King, Pierce counties and greater Puget Sound. Mike Van Steenwyk, owner, 5 Star Real Estate Investments, LLC: 253-887-1355; mlvansteenwyk@comcast.net; 5starinvestllc.com.
BUYING U.S. GOLD COINS, proof and mint sets, silver dollars, rolls and bags. PCGS/ NGC certified coins, estates, accumulations, large collections, bullion, platinum. Will travel. All transactions confidential. Please call 208-859-7168.
CUSTOM HOME NEAR UPPER COLUMBIA ACADEMY: 2,600-sq.ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, two story, beautiful view, 5 miles from school. $289,000. Pictures on Zillow: 31404 S. North Pine Creek Rd., Spangle, WA 99031. Call 509-981-9260.
WORSHIP WITH US AT Yellowstone National Park every Sabbath from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Services at 10
ENJOY WORRY-FREE RETIREMENT at Fletcher Park Inn on the Fletcher Academy campus, near
37
june 2016
Hendersonville, N.C. Spacious villa homes and limited rental apartments available NOW. Enjoy a complimentary lunch at our vegetarian buffet on the day of your no-obligation tour. For details, call Loretta at 800-2492882 or visit fletcherparkinn.com. RENT HOME IN BROOKINGS, OREGON: Full Chetco River view, private, near town, 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 1,300-sq.-ft., plus garage, garden and shed. Call 907-209-7684 or email darladuran@yahoo.com. WALLA WALLA/COLLEGE PLACE Adventist realtors to assist in buying/selling properties: Jenny Fuchs, 509-386-2970; Cory Spencer, 509-301-1958; Darel Tetz, 509-240-5450; and Everett Tetz, 509-386-2749. United Country Real Estate Walla Walla, 509-876-4422.
ADVERTISEMENTS ADVERTISING DEADLINES
Services LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL RETIREMENT VILLAGE? Why wait for heaven? We offer homes, duplexes and apartments in a peaceful, safe Adventist environment in the country. You will be able to develop lasting friendships. Call Bill Norman in Harrah, Okla., at 405-454-6538. MOVING? RELAX! Your move with Apex Moving & Storage will be great! As the single point of accountability, we offer peace of mind for the relocating family or individual. Give us a call and take advantage of a volume-rated discount for Adventists. Call Marcy Danté at 800-766-1902 or visit us at apexmoving.com/ adventist. EXPERIENCED ADVENTIST ATTORNEY serves greater Seattle area. Practice includes auto accident/other injury claims;
wills, trusts, probate/other estate-planning; real estate; contracts/other business matters; and more. John Darrow: 310 Third Ave. NE, Suite 116, Issaquah, WA 98027; 425-3692064; darrowlawfirm.com. HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS Clawson Heating and Air Conditioning features quality service and installation. We are an Adventist company meeting all of your heating and cooling needs, including maintenance programs for your homes. 503-618-9646. License #: Oregon, 173219; Washington, CLAWSHA931BW. DOWNLOAD FREE SERMONS from AudioVerse.org ! Access thousands of FREE SDA sermons, audio Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy audiobooks, and messages from your favorite annual conferences (ASI, GYC, etc.). Also available
AUGUST JUNE 23 SEPT JULY 28 in Spanish, German, French and Chinese. Download the iOS and Android app. WILL YOU HAVE ENOUGH TO RETIRE? I teach “7 Steps to Financial Freedom” and “Safe Money Growth.” Is your 401K/ IRA in the market? Call now. Deborah Myers, Licensed Insurance Broker, 253-217-0773. Services include: Medicare, health, dental, vision and legal insurance. AUTHORS of cookbooks, health books, children’s chapter or picture books — Call 800367-1844 for FREE evaluation. We publish all book formats, distribute to more than 39,000 bookstores, in 220 countries. New titles at your local ABC or
Find us
TEACHServices.com — used books at LNFBooks.com. THE WILDWOOD LIFESTYLE CENTER helps to reverse diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, arthritis, depression, cancer and many more. Invest in your health, call 800-634-9355 or visit wildwoodhealth.org/lifestyle. THE CLERGY MOVE CENTER at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is “The Way To Move” from one state to another! Through our national contract with the General Conference, we extend our moving services to all Adventist families. Quality is inherent. Contact one of our dedicated move counselors today for a no-cost/noobligation estimate at 800-2488313. Or learn more about us at stevensworldwide.com/sda.
Stay in touch with the latest news, video links, calendar events, photo galleries, past issues and more at gleanernow.com.
in familiar places plus.google.com/+Gleanernow twitter.com/gleanernow facebook.com/gleanernow 38
june 2016
ADVERTISEMENTS
DO IT FOR YOUR HEALTH! Join a 10- or 17-day health program located in Republic, Wash. The Klein family combines hospitality with medical expertise to tailor a program for your specific health condition. Hyperbaric oxygen, hydrotherapy, cooking classes and nutrition are some of the therapies used in a comfortable homelike environment. Scheduling and pricing on
KlondikeMountainHealth Retreat.org or call 509-775-2949. ADVENTIST ATTORNEY serving greater Portland area. Practice focuses on estate planning and general business: wills, trusts, probate and trust administration, gifting, business formation. Stephanie Carter, Attorney at Law: 503-496-5500; stephanie@ draneaslaw.com.
nBurger
HERITAGE
SINGERS 45TH ANNIVERSARY
WEB DESIGN! Skyrocket your business profits with an exceptional modern website. Our Adventist agency specializes in making businesses look amazing online. View our before/after portfolio, visit discoverpeppermint.com. Call 541-316-8322.
REUNION CONCERT
THIS IS OUR FINAL REUNION JULY 30, 2016 7:00 PM
Vacations MAKE BEAUTIFUL SUNRIVER, ORE., YOUR SUMMER VACATION DESTINATION! Stay in our Quelah condo and relax or enjoy the many activities available. Visit sunriverunlimited.com for more information or call 503253-3936. MAUI Fully equipped condo,
VeganBurger unobstructed ocean and sunset view, sleeps seven. Tennis, pool, across street from surf and beautiful sandy beaches. Call 360-652-6455 or 425-258-4433.
nBurger the makers o from
V E G E TA R I A N
30-DAY EMERGENCY
FOOD SUPPLY
• 90 servings • Cholesterol free • Low in sodium and fat • High in fiber INCLUDES 15 SERVINGS EACH OF: • Abundant in nutrients Strawberry Banana Oatmeal • Solid source of protein Tropical Trio Oatmeal • 10+ years shelf life Seasoned Green Pea Soup • Packed in mylar with Black Bean Soup O2 absorbers to Pinto Bean Porridge preserve freshness Black Bean Chipotle Porridge
Citizens Business Bank Arena 4000 East Ontario Center Parkway Ontario, California
Tickets NOW available online: axs.com by phone: (888) 929-7849 Sponsored by
99 PER BOX • GLUTEN FREE $109 PER BOX + $10 SHIPS YOUR ENTIRE ORDER
$
Order at www.30DayFoodSupply.com or call Toll Free 800-700-2184
39 GleanerQ42015_30-Day.indd 1
10/19/2015 4:13:55 PM
june 2016
ADVERTISEMENTS
COLLEGE PLACE LODGING Completely furnished new units available daily, weekly or monthly. Full kitchens. Sleeps four. Call 509-301-1498 to reserve. View at cottagegardens.info. ALASKAN ADVENTURE CRUISE Treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted to do with Christian friends. Join Richard and Penny Clarke on the Ruby Princess round trip out of Seattle, July 17–24. EASTERN CARIBBEAN GETAWAY for singles on the Carnival Sunshine round trip out of Port Canaveral, Dec. 3–10. Contact Penny, an Adventist travel agent, 253-632-3528 or penny@ AcquireAdventures.com.
Central Oregon Camp Meeting Christmas Valley, OR
June 30–July 2 Under the big tent at 60508 Old Lake Rd
h t i Fa
e M
s d n
Youth Sharon Gladden
Musicians Vonda Beerman and Craig Bradley
For more information, call 541-306-0384 or go to cosdacamp.com
SUNRIVER, CENTRAL OREGON 4-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens, one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all “lodge amenities,” sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos and reservations: 541-279-9553, 541-475-6463 or schultz@crestviewcable.com. ISRAEL TOUR WITH PASTOR JIM GILLEY AND FRIENDS. Two trips this fall, Sept. 26–Oct. 4, $3,099; Nov. 28–Dec. 6, $2,499. Price includes all tips, taxes, air, and daily breakfast and dinner buffets. From New York, other departure cities available. Call Jennifer at 602-788-8865 or Pastor Jim at 530-368-3301. Join us!
Online CLASSIFIED ADS are available online. Go to gleanernow.com/ classifieds.
40
june 2016
Speakers C.A. Murray Ivy N. Harris Larren Cole
PREPARE TO CHANGE THE WORLD. Study international development at the Walla Walla University School of Business. The WWU bachelor of science degree in international development prepares students to compete in business on a global level with concern for sustainability, healthy commerce, and community development. As a major or a minor, the program offers: • A robust business curriculum incorporating marketing, accounting, fundraising, finance, and more. • Interdisciplinary classes such as language, travel abroad, cultural awareness, and world religions. • A School of Business that includes two economists and five faculty with international business experience.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
2015 WWU business graduate Kaleb Williams worked for Adventist Health at Lusaka Eye Hospital in Zambia where he upgraded the hospital accounting system. Read Kaleb’s blog at kalebszambiamissiontrip.blogspot.
—Margaret Mead
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY! CALL: (509) 527-2951 | WRITE: josefer.montes@wallawalla.edu VISIT: wallawalla.edu/visit The Walla Walla University School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP).
WHY YOU NEED CHURCH MORE THAN INTERNET P
eople stay “in touch” with machines more than people. Of course someone will protest this point, reminding me that people stay in touch with people by touching their machines; but that only proves my point. Our relationships have becoming increasingly mediated by the “machine that sticks closer than a brother” — matter of fact thanks to the machine, we keep in contact with our brother, or maybe even discovered we had a brother in the first place. Some researchers suggest people check their phones between 100–150 times per day (Woollaston, 2013). With so much quality time spent with our devices, how have our relationships and perceptions of the world been altered? When David Kinnaman’s unChristian was published in 2007, one of the accusations non-Christians (and Christians) leveled at the church was that it was far too “sheltered” (p. 121). AUTHOR Seth Pierce Anecdotal evidence points to faith communities squelching questions and hunkering down in hiding from the cultures that surround it. Millennials, as well as others, retreat from these insulated communities in order to enjoy a diversity of opinion and perspective — often online. But what if it’s the Internet that is shaping us to become more “sheltered”? Technologists note that with so much “ultradiversity” of information on the Internet, we 42
june 2016
will experience an increased amount of “choice assist technology” (Detweiller, p. 122). As the Internet becomes smarter, assisting us with functions our brains used to perform, the average person spends more and more of their time in a world that perfectly caters to all their preferences. We choose which friends to include in our news feed, we only download the apps of news sources that fit our worldviews, we create playlists featuring only songs we like, and, if someone dares disagree with us or post things we don’t like, then we hide, block, unfollow, unfriend or delete them. Just like Jesus, right? During the 2009 Web 2.0 Expo, sociologist Danah Boyd said, “If we’re not careful, we’re going to develop the psychological equivalent of obesity” (Detweiller). Social scientists also point out that, when online, we participate in “ambient intimacy” — where we post frequent updates about ourselves in order to keep people connected to us. J. Dyer says, “When we do community online we have to think about ourselves much more than when we do community offline” (iGods, p. 169). The longer we stay in touch with our devices the more our devices create a digital world that caters to our views and preferences — where we never
PERSPECTIVE “If we’re not careful, we’re going to develop the psychological equivalent of obesity.” — Danah Boyd
have to hear anything other than what we want. The counsel in Hebrews fits now more than ever: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24–25). Church is a difficult organization to control — trust me, I’m a pastor. Not everyone likes the same music, preaches on the same themes, has the same ethnicity, uses the same spiritual
language, has the same burdens for outreach or even necessarily gets along all the time. At times it feels like it has the same rhythms of a marriage (the church is often referred to as a bride, after all) with moments of great joy, strife, agreement and argument. More than bringing two people together as one — church seeks to bring a diversity of people together as one, at least that’s what Jesus prayed for (see John 17). It’s a difficult process, but one that makes us better humans. Renowned communication scholar Marshall McLuhan says, “We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us” (Culkin). While I concede the existence of toxic churches (even Jesus does that in Revelation 2–3), overall the process of learning to do community with such different people, in the flesh, shapes me into a much better person than one who does community solely in front of a screen. Dyer notes that, “when a device hides a process, sometimes we lose out on an important part of human 43
june 2016
life” (p. 156). Part of human life is the difficulty of relationships — the day-to-day messiness of them. The Internet makes it easy to hide this, while the church, as frustrating as it can be, reminds us of it. I don’t want to lose perspective by participating in a world of my own preferences. J. Dyer, J., From the garden to the city: The redeeming and corrupting power of technology (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2011). John Culkin, “A Schoolman’s Guide to Marshall McLuhan,” Saturday Review (March 18, 1967): 51. V. Woollaston, V., “How often do you check your phone? The average person does it 110 times a DAY (and up to every 6 seconds in the evening)” (2013), accessed May 3, 2016, http://www. dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ article-2449632/How-checkphone-The-average-persondoes-110-times-DAY-6-secondsevening.html.
Seth Pierce, Puyallup Church lead pastor
THAT’S GRACE O
ut of breath and dripping with rain, I leaned on a back-alley dumpster as the man I just met in a bar aimed a heroin needle at his bulging vein. Just then a police SUV rolled around the corner and splashed to a stop before us. Wincing as the window rolled down, I braced for the interrogation. As a pastor and law enforcement chaplain, I had some radical explaining to do. You might also be wondering how in the world I had landed in this situation. Some background might help. My bizarre adventure began at the train station in Vancouver, British Columbia. AUTHOR Martin Weber I was standing in line to buy a ticket back to the States, so I could pick up my wife and cats and bring them north to live with me for two years of graduate studies. My shoulder sore from lugging my laptop, I laid the carrying case at my feet where I could keep an eye on it. The line inched forward. Engrossed in a biography about the missionary William Carey, I shuffled ahead without moving the computer with me. 44
june 2016
What happened next is every business traveler’s nightmare. I didn’t realize it until the line moved forward again and I turned to reach for my computer. Gone! And with it the backup disk containing a month’s worth of summer studies — including three finished papers. Not to mention my passport and student visa, plus $100 worth of textbooks. A tsunami of panic swept over me. JESUS, HAVE MERCY!
“God!” I cried, lifting my hands to heaven. Nobody around acknowledged seeing the thief vanish out the door. After racing outside to scan the perimeter, I summoned station security. “Where would someone take my computer?” They pointed north to Hastings Street six blocks away, where a seedy assortment of hotel
PERSPECTIVE If the Almighty did business with us based on justice, each of us would die justly as the due reward of our works.
bars and pawn shops serve as liquidation headquarters for hot property from drug addicts. I ran up the rain-soaked sidewalk, calling on God to help me catch the guy. But his trail had disappeared. Terrified and furious, I intensified my hunt. Meanwhile, God’s Spirit was working even harder to soothe my spirit. WWJD in this situation? No doubt He would care about the thief who stole my computer — having forgiven that thief on the cross. By the time I climbed the steps of the police station to report my loss, I found myself repeating that eternally amazing prayer from our crucified Savior: Father forgive him, for he
been sufficiently chastened by God’s Spirit that I was able to respond, “But wouldn’t it be even better if we gave him grace instead of pain? I need my computer back, yeah, but let’s remember that this guy’s soul is more important than my machine. So just why don’t we just get the thing and let him go. Give him grace.” “Grace! What’s grace?” he muttered. Not waiting for an answer, he ducked into a doorway along that back alley and pulled a needle from his pocket. “Look, man,” he said, “I hate to do this now, but I really need a fix. Hope you don’t mind that I shoot up.” “This is your world,” I told him. “I’m just your guest this afternoon.” And so my new friend bared his arm and aimed the needle at a vein. I stood beside him watching in helpless horror. Just then that police SUV roared up. They had seen everything. There was no place to hide. In justice they might
didn’t know what he did. Help this poor guy to know Your grace. But I still needed my computer back! Jesus, have mercy on me! WHAT’S GRACE?
In a bar I found one young guy who seemed streetwise and willing to help. I shoved a damp $20 bill into his grasping hand. “Let’s go!” I said. “You know where these guys hide.” As my drug-addicted deputy led me up the graffiti and condom-strewn alleys behind Hastings Street, he remarked, “Man, I sure hope we catch this guy. We can get him in a corner and really work him over.” By then my spirit had 45
june 2016
have loaded us off to jail, or at least taken me in for questioning. Instead they just smiled. “C’mon fellas, move along.” As we watched them drive off down the alley, I remarked to my friend, “You just asked me what grace is. Well, that’s grace!” REFUGE AT GOD’S THRONE OF GRACE
We all need grace, more than the air we breathe. If the Almighty did business with us based on justice, each of us would die justly as the due reward of our works. Thank God for Jesus! “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Martin Weber, Adventist product manager for Faithlife, maker of Logos Bible Software
LET’S TALK PROVIDENCE P
rovidence has often been a stumbling block for the human experience. Advent believers in the early 1840s saw God’s providence in Scripture preparing an escape from the trials of a wicked world. But while the Great Disappointment swept many of them from anticipation to abject disillusionment, another contrasting view of Providence was gaining momentum within America. Just a few short months after the 1844 disappointment, journalist John L. O’Sullivan wrote of “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” This was not an entirely new thought. The Puritans and others, who two centuries before had initially colonized America’s shores, felt that God had bequeathed to them a new land to conquer for His sake. Puritan leader John Winthrop’s famous 1630 sermon, “City Upon a Hill,” called for building a virtuous society that would serve as an example to the rest of the world. In AUTHOR Steve Vistaunet 1776, Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet concurred: “We have it in our power to begin the world over again. A situation, similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of
Noah until now. The birthday of a new world is at hand.” But the concept of Manifest Destiny characterized a naive understanding of Providence that we still struggle with in America — in everyday life, from the silly to the serious. It initially gave tacit permission for colonists to bulldoze Native America under the Christian guise of evangelizing the heathen. It provided a rationale for early leaders to sublimate liberty of conscience to the overwhelming good of the majority. Today we see that same spirit in calls for theocratic reform in America. How does one differentiate a thoughtful Providence from a fickle fate? Do we use Providence to confirm what we really wanted in the first place? I sometimes hear heartwarming testimonials that refer to lifesaving experiences as God’s Providence: “If I hadn’t been interrupted, I would have been right in the middle of that accident … . God was really looking out for me.” The clear-eyed among us wonder why God apparently looks out for some and not for others. In my understanding of Scripture, guardian angels do not fall asleep on the job, martyrs of faith do not languish in their graves from some arbitrary lapse of Providence. We’re not trapped in a cosmic game of “Father, May I.” Our heavenly 46
june 2016
Father does not flip a coin to see who steps forward and who steps back. It seems to me that the very best evidence of Providence at work comes when the headlong rush of human endeavor is interrupted. Paul and Silas in prison, Joseph wrongly accused, David in the wilderness — all had abundant opportunities for despair in the midst of crises. But amazingly divine results came from each difficult experience. Life’s hiccups are not the end. “Spiritually, we’re trees,” says author Mark Buchanan. “We grow seasonally, too — spiritually speaking — and each season of flourishing is marked by another death, another dormancy, and then another resurrection” (Ubiquity). Perhaps Paul’s own decision to “die daily” to selfish ambition is the best avenue for Providence to work on our behalf. Steve Vistaunet, Gleaner editor
Respond to any Gleaner topic by emailing talk@gleanernow.com.
Measureless THE LOVE OF
GOD
2016 Walla Walla Camp Meeting
Ivor Myers
Nan cy Canwell Pat Sm ar t
F eatured Speakers Jennifer Schwirzer
John Peckham
Oth er F eatured Present ers Ma rk W eir Jen n ifer Ogden J oh n Sta n ton H eath er Rob i n s o n Daro ld & B arb a ra B igger
V BS
for kids Ages 5-12 August 1-5
Musi c b y Hand Pi ck ed
August 3-6
Village Seventh-day Adventist Church Adventist Book Center
715 SE 12th St., College Place WA 99324 509-525-0882 office@villageadventist.org www.facebook.com/wwcampmeeting www.villageadventist.org
gleanernow.com
PERIODICALS
North Pacific Union Conference 5709 N. 20th St. Ridgefield, WA 98642
Explore new possibilities Join the Adventist Health team Adventist Health is a nonprofit integrated health system headquartered in Roseville, California. Our facilities are located throughout California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, including: • 19 hospitals with more than 2,875 beds • 260+ clinics and outpatient facilities • 15 home health agencies • More than 23,400 mission-driven employees
Visit AdventistHealth.org/careers to learn more